Building up America — Coast to Coast

Infrastructure 2019 Building up america — coast to coast

Spending Priorities • Financing • Deregulation

A Special Advertising Supplement to The Washington Times Infrastructure 2019 Building Up America — Coast to Coast

Table of Contents

ROUTES Initiative to boost rural Lessons in success: Nebraska sets examples for transportation infrastructure ...... 3 infrastructure legislation ...... 16 Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Sen. Deb Fischer

Constructive collaboration: Improving infrastructure Closing the digital divide ...... 17 at our National Parks ...... 4 Sen. Marsha Blackburn Interior Secretary David L. Bernhardt Why would Congress add more dangers to firefighting?...... 18 America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act: Kevin O’Connor Bipartisan, historic, substantial ...... 5 Sen. John Barrasso, M.D., and Sen. Tom Carper Congress should put aside political theatrics and fix our nation’s infrastructure ...... 20 States are meeting the challenge of infrastructure. Sen. Kevin Cramer Is Washington listening? ...... 6 Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan For upcoming infrastructure projects, ‘Build Local, Hire Local’ ...... 21 Let’s work together to build a strong market Rep. Karen Bass for electric transportation ...... 7 Tom Kuhn Bipartisan pipelines bill needs action to keep U.S. energy safe, secure ...... 22 mes i A D+ report card means there’s a lot of work to do ...... 8 Rep. Rick Crawford

on T Sen. Chris Van Hollen gt n Critical mining, electrical infrastructure needed to hi Communities need alternatives to driving ...... 9 meet growing energy demand ...... 23 Sen. Ben Cardin Rep. Paul Gosar, D.D.S. e Was h o T

t Congress must keep rural America in mind Transportation: A lifeline to the vitality of when debating infrastructure ...... 10 communities around the nation ...... 24 Selena Shilad and Betsy Huber Rep. Adriano Espaillat upplemen

g S America’s ‘Marine Highways’ getting ship-shape ...... 12 Addressing infrastructure means investing in water ...... 25 n i

s Sen. James Inhofe Rep. Dan Newhouse ON TI MES tidver Strengthening water infrastructure ...... 13 Infrastructure investments will unleash America’s

al A Sen. John Boozman full economic potential ...... 26 i AS HI N GT Rep. Clay Higgins pec A S TH E W America’s waterways: Critical to our nation’s

| economy and security...... 14 Soo Locks design, channel deepening plans underway ...... 27 Thomas A. Allegretti Rep. Jack Bergman

Tony Hill Larry T. Beasley Thomas P. McDevitt David Dadisman Director of ADvertising ceo chAirmAn generAl mAnAger & integrAteD sAles Christopher Dolan Joseph E. Teipe, Jr. Patrick Crofoot Advertising Department: presiDent & executive vice grAphics supervisor 202-636-3027 executive eDitor presiDent SPECIAL SECTIONS Special Sections are multipage tabloid products that run in The Washington Times daily newspaper and are posted online and in PDF form onits website. Sponsors and ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections 2 are prepared separately and without involvement from the Times’ newsroom and editorial staff. ROUTES Initiative to boost rural transportation infrastructure

By Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao

y land, water and air, transportation infrastructure binds together the United States of America. Every day, Americans take over a billion trips — usually on the nation’s 4 million miles of roads. BRivers, streams and other obstacles are traversed via America’s 616,096

highway bridges. A S Federal resources focus on the subset A pecial of U.S. roads deemed most important for national mobility, commerce and illustration by greg groesch

defense. Of the 2.5 million lane miles of S dvertising roads that span this system, 59 percent economy and all Americans’ quality of support the nation’s critical rural trans- addressing these needs. are in rural areas. About 7 percent of the life. Nearly half of all truck vehicle miles portation infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transporta- traffic on these roads occurred on poor travelled (VMT) occur on rural roads, This USDOT effort will help rural tion’s newly formed ROUTES Council quality pavement. Sixty percent of the and two-thirds of rail freight originates communities access federal transpor- will soon be underway. Beginning in

48,000-mile Interstate Highway System in rural areas. tation grant programs. It will provide January, USDOT representatives will toupplement T is in rural areas. participate in conferences throughout Deteriorating infrastructure is having the country to interact closely with rural repercussions. Aging bridges in need Beginning in January, USDOT representatives will communities on their transportation of upgrading negatively impact freight participate in conferences throughout the country infrastructure challenges and needs. and people. Eighty percent of bridges Transportation infrastructure is THE WASHINGTON TIMES to interact closely with rural communities on their he Washington T in the U.S. rated to be in poor condi- generally an arena in which there is bi- tion are located in rural areas. Freight- transportation infrastructure challenges and needs. partisan concern and agreement. While hauling truck drivers in rural areas often urban communities have transportation contend with lengthy detours to find a needs, they are better equipped to seek bridge able to handle the weight, which The U.S. Department of Transporta- user-friendly information to these com- out federal resources to address their consumes fuel and time. tion (USDOT) during this administra- munities to assist in applying for discre- needs, while rural areas often lack the

Rural infrastructure is not just for tion has directed substantially more tionary grants. It will improve sharing capacity to fully compete for federal imes the benefit of rural residents. Forty-four federal grant funds to rural projects, of rural data and analysis to achieve transportation infrastructure fund- |

percent of passenger vehicle traffic in primarily through the BUILD and national transportation infrastructure ing. The ROUTES Initiative and other Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 rural areas is urban residents travel- INFRA programs. And the Rural Project goals. The ROUTES Initiative will in- administration efforts will provide rural ling. So it should concern everyone that Initiative was implemented so that more volve not just highway infrastructure but areas with increased access to data to the fatality rate on rural roads is twice rural project sponsors would utilize the airports and transit as well. improve planning and development of that on urban roads. Only 19 percent federal Transportation Infrastructure Transportation can be a significant grant applications. And all of America of Americans live in rural areas, yet 46 Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) challenge for seniors, people with dis- will be better off for it. percent of the nation’s highway fatalities loan program. But we recognize that it abilities or lower incomes and other occur there. can be difficult, time-consuming and -ex residents. Public transportation is for Elaine L. Chao is the 18th U.S. Secre- Safety is reason enough to focus more pensive for rural communities to apply many a lifeline to necessities, includ- tary of Transportation. She previously resources on improving rural infra- for these grants. ing a workplace, health care, groceries served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from structure, yet there are many additional On Oct. 8, 2019, at the annual meet- and other vital services. That is why 81 2001 to early 2009 and is the first Asian- compelling motivations. ing of the American Association of State percent of U.S. counties provide rural American woman in U.S. history to be Rural transportation networks — Highway and Transportation Officials, transit service. But these rural transit appointed to the President’s cabinet. which bring manufactured products, I announced the Rural Opportunities services face unique challenges com- agriculture and other commodities to Use Transportation for Economic pared to urban mass transit systems and to markets — are vital to our nation’s Success (ROUTES) Initiative to better so the ROUTES Initiative will also be 3 Constructive collaboration: Improving infrastructure at our National Parks

miles of paved roads, 17,000 miles of and enjoyable for visitors of today and than a century because of its employees, trails and 24,000 buildings that service tomorrow. This hinges on our ability network of allies, advisers and, per- national park visitors. Although the Park to infuse our park system with produc- haps most of all, partners. Addressing Service retired more than $600 million tive capital investments — including deferred maintenance and needed recon- in maintenance and repair work in FY technological improvements — that help struction at, and urgent upgrades to, our 2018, several of our most visited parks prepare our national parks for their next national parks, landmarks and monu- are still in dire need of repairs, replace- century. At present, NPS has embarked ments requires that our Department ments and updates to our infrastructure. on a five-year $75 million initiative at solicit funds from Congress, generate At Great Smoky Mountain National 24 parks to rehabilitate or remove and revenue on its own or be creative in forg- Park, these projects center on repairing replace approximately 130 units (single ing productive partnerships. crumbling roads, aging buildings and family homes, multi-plexes, dorms and In many parks, these partnerships other historic structures — including mobile homes) in the poorest condition. have proven successful at repairing, barns, churches and the Sugarlands Highlighted in this effort is Yellowstone replacing and modernizing park infra- Visitor Center, which needs a total National Park, where 64 obsolete trailers structure. In June, I was joined by Vice reconstruction, costing as much as $25 — housing over 80 seasonal employees President Pence at Yellowstone, where million. Grand Canyon National Park —will be replaced. The recent renova- the Old Faithful Geyser View Deck project there was completed through a By Interior Secretary partnership with the Montana Conserva- David L. Bernhardt In June, I was joined by Vice President Pence at tion Corps. Similarly, the $21.6 million first phase of Grand Teton National nvesting in American infrastruc- Yellowstone, where the Old Faithful Geyser View Park’s Craig Thomas Discovery and Visi- ture is one of President Trump’s Deck project was completed through a partnership tor Center was funded with an $8 million top priorities, and his commitment with the Montana Conservation Corps. congressional appropriation and $13.6 is clear: to “build gleaming new million in private-sector gifts. roads, bridges, highways, railways, Most recently, on September 19, we and waterways all across our land.” reopened the Washington Monument What’s more, he has promised that “we after being closed for some 1,128 days; it Iwill do it with American heart, and now features a new security screening American hands, and American grit.” facility and a state-of-the-art elevator It goes without saying that this should control system. The latter was made pos- command broad, bipartisan support. sible by a generous donation from David mes i As Secretary of the Interior, I am Rubenstein, who also announced in late familiar with the need for a renewed October that he is donating $10 million on T investment in American infrastructure. for improvements to the exhibits and gt n One of the ways Interior plans to tackle visitor amenities at the Thomas Jefferson hi its infrastructure needs is through the Memorial. President’s legislative proposal for a National parks and the National Park e Was

h new Public Lands Infrastructure Fund. Service’s programs were built upon

o T The Fund — also requested in Interior’s partnerships like these, and these shared

t 2020 budget — would dovetail with the efforts are examples of their value to Restore our Parks Act pending before stewarding America’s cultural and his- Congress, to ensure a long-term invest- torical treasures. ment in infrastructure on America’s We will continue both pursuing much upplemen public lands. needed infrastructure projects and call-

g S These infrastructure needs at ing for passage of the Restore Our Parks n i

s Interior often center on our national Act to aid in these efforts. As we look parks, which attract more than 300 ahead towards the Park Service’s second ON TI MES million visitors every year. Last year’s century, public-private partnerships tidver 318 million visits to our National Parks remain essential to making the visitor al A i generated an economic impact of $40 experience exceptional and, in the short AS HI N GT billion and supported 329,000 jobs in term, to advancing the President’s vision pec hotels, restaurants, transportation and for a long overdue investment in Ameri- A S TH E W

| recreation. And yet, a lot of the infra- Visitors in October observe the powerful eruption of Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone can infrastructure. structure in our parks is a half a century National Park in Wyoming. On June 1, Vice President Mike Pence and Interior Secretary old or older. Maintaining roads and David L. Bernhardt visited the park to see the famed geyser’s newly renovated view deck. David L. Bernhardt is the 53rd Secretary bridges, visitor centers, historic build- Photo by National Park Service/Jim Peaco. of the Interior. He leads an agency with ings, trails and campgrounds, therefore, more than 70,000 employees who are is a difficult task. stewards for 20 percent of the nation’s Over the years, aging facilities, grow- lands, including national parks, monu- ing visitation and limited resources have needs repairs to its freshwater delivery tion of Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier ments, wildlife refuges and other public made that task even more challenging infrastructure, serving the Canyon’s National Park also exemplifies how the lands. The department oversees the re- as we strive to repair and update our 2,500 residents — from park employees National Park Service is working across sponsible development of conventional National Park infrastructure for the to guests in nearby lodges. Yosemite the nation to improve existing structures and renewable energy supplies on public next century. The National Park Service National Park must improve wastewater, and, in the process, preserve important lands and waters, is the largest supplier (NPS) estimates that we need billions roads, trails, campgrounds, treatment elements of America’s heritage. and manager of water in the 17 Western ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday of dollars to repair and replace infra- facilities and other structures. This should come as no surprise. states, and upholds trust responsibilities structure across our park system. That Addressing these issues is essential The truth is, the National Park Service to the 573 federally recognized Ameri- 4 includes work on the more than 5,500 to ensuring that our parks remain safe has been able to sustain itself for more can Indian tribes and Alaska Natives. America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act: Bipartisan, historic and substantial

By Sen. John Barrasso M.D. important environmental protections. It and Sen. Tom Carper cuts red tape so that highway projects are completed faster, cheaper and smarter. o matter where you live Our legislation improves road safety in America, people agree by increasing funding to the successful that our roads and bridges Highway Safety Improvement Program. are long overdue for an To update aging bridges, the bill upgrade. establishes a competitive grant program Our country’s infrastruc- to address the backlog of bridges in poor ture needs are significant. Nearly 200,000 condition. It also supports state-led ini- Nmiles of major highways are in need of tiatives to reduce the number of pedes- repairs, repaving or rebuilds. More than trian deaths and wildlife collisions. 47,000 bridges are in poor condition. A large part of improving road Whether you live in a blue state or a red safety is making sure America has state, most Americans would agree that durable highways and bridges that addressing these needs should be one of last. From rockslides in Wyoming to our nation’s top priorities. hurricanes and Nor’easters on the It’s time for Congress to pass signifi- When enacted, America’s Transpor- to state, tribal and local governments, Delaware coast, we need roads that cant, bipartisan surface transportation tation Infrastructure Act will be the allowing local leaders to determine can withstand natural disasters and infrastructure legislation. As chairman most substantial highway bill in his- which projects are top priorities. the worsening impacts of our chang- and ranking member of the Senate tory. It makes a $287 billion investment Our bill also incorporates key ele- ing climate. America’s Transportation committee that’s responsible for our in our roads. The overwhelming major- ments of the president’s “One Federal Infrastructure Act invests $5.5 billion roads and bridges, we are committed to ity of those funds will automatically go Decision” policy — without forgoing in a new program dedicated to enhanc- getting it done. ing infrastructure resiliency. In July, we introduced America’s Our bill includes the first climate Transportation Infrastructure Act. Our The Senate Committee on Environment and change title of its kind, providing flex- legislation would give states the funds, Public Works approved America’s Transportation ible resources to help states reduce flexibility and freedom to build safer Infrastructure Act by a vote of 21 to zero. emissions. States could receive these and long-lasting bridges and highways. Senators from both parties agree that our funds to help mitigate traffic congestion

Modern highway systems power our in urban areas or to develop plans to re- A S

economy, connect communities and roads and bridges can’t wait any longer. duce transportation-related emissions. A pecial improve quality of life. Our legislation is historic and substantial — and we believe it must be

paid for. We agree that drivers of every S dvertising kind of vehicle should contribute to maintain our roads and bridges. The Senate Committee on Envi- ronment and Public Works approved

America’s Transportation Infrastructure toupplement T Act by a vote of 21 to zero. Senators from both parties agree that our roads and bridges can’t wait any longer. A comprehensive surface transportation bill must also address our rail, THE WASHINGTON TIMES transit and highway safety policies. he Washington T This fall, we are working with Senate leaders and the committees responsible for those titles so that we can pass the comprehensive transportation legislation out of the Senate.

Our highways and transportation imes infrastructure are critical to our coun- |

try’s success. They are vital arteries of Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 commerce, connecting rural areas to major cities. It’s time to make a significant investment in them. Every American benefits from better roads and bridges. Passing Ameri- ca’s Transportation Infrastructure Act will deliver those benefits.

John Barrasso, M.D., is a Republican senator from Wyoming and Tom Carper is a Democratic senator from Delaware. Respectively, they are chairman and ranking member of the Senate Commit- tee on Environment and Public Works. 5 States are meeting the challenge of infrastructure. Is Washington listening?

urgent infrastructure challenges. As chair of the National Governors Association, I am holding regional and international summits, bringing together industry experts to come up with innovative solutions and help governors drive action. My NGA Chair’s Initiative, Infrastructure: Foundation for Success, is designed to help states solve these challenges by sharing lessons and ideas from around the United States as well as other countries — including Australia, Japan, and Canada — that have taken creative approaches to infrastructure. Through my initiative, we are exploring how governors can help ease By Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan congestion through new technologies and smart policies; how they can expe- he United States emerged dite vital projects through streamlined from World War II as the permitting processes; how they can undisputed global economic work with the private sector and other powerhouse in large part governmental leaders to safeguard because national, state and critical infrastructure from cyberat- local leaders were commit- tacks; and how they can increase An international study trip on infrastructure and economic development, led in September ted to building roads, ports, waterworks investments by expanding a range of by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, chair of the National Governors Association, included Tand other infrastructure that was the revenue options and helping support a stop at Port Botany, a deepwater seaport in Botany Bay in Sydney, Australia. Photo envy of the world. private sector financing programs. courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor. Lately, it seems leaders in Washing- These approaches can help stretch mes i ton have lost some of that shared sense public dollars and make the most of our of purpose and, with it, a bit of our existing infrastructure while easing the cost of doing nothing is ever-greater incorporating both roadway improve- on T economic edge. path for new projects. Additionally, my levels of congestion, pollution, reduced ments and innovative technologies gt n But states are no longer waiting for initiative is exploring public-private economic competitiveness, lower qual- to reduce congestion. The roadway hi the federal government to take action. partnerships (P3s) in which govern- ity of life and safety concerns as people improvements target 14 existing Instead, governors are working together ments tap new financing sources and continue to use infrastructure that is bottlenecks across the 34-mile corri- e Was

h in a bipartisan way, showing real leader- partner with private entities to tackle well past its natural lifespan. dor, using a “right-sizing” approach to

o T ship, making real progress and finding big infrastructure projects. By investing in infrastructure, we maximize capacity and address safety.

t real solutions to address our nation’s The stakes here are high — and the aren’t just avoiding these negative Applying a dynamic and integrated consequences, we are also stimulating traffic management system, the I-270 growth in both the near and long term. project is installing more than 25 real- In my own state of Maryland, we time traffic signs and more than 30 upplemen have taken a balanced, all-inclusive intelligent signals, cameras and sensors

g S approach to infrastructure that reaches to create an automated flow manage- n i

s across party lines. We have moved ment system. forward on nearly all of the highest- One of the things that makes Ameri- ON TI MES priority transportation projects in cans so exceptional is that when we tidver every single jurisdiction, including see that something is broken, we fix it al A i more than 800 projects totaling $9 — or at least we try to. AS HI N GT billion in roads, bridges and tunnels That can-do spirit is still alive and pec under construction. We have invested well in states across America. Our A S TH E W

| a record $14 billion in transit. nation’s governors are pioneering Baltimore-Washington International creative approaches to pay for vital in- Airport continues to be the No. 1 air- frastructure, keeping it safe from those port in our region in passenger traffic, who would cause harm and cutting red and the Port of Baltimore continues to tape that stands in the way of progress. break records year after year. And if we can accomplish it in the Our Purple Line transit project in states — if we can set out to fix and re- metropolitan Washington is the larg- build what’s broken — then there is no est of its kind in North America. And, place in America where we can’t rise to address some of the worst traffic to meet these challenges and ensure a congestion in the country, we recently stronger future for our country. advanced the largest P3 highway proj- Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan came to New Carrollton, Maryland, in September to ect in the world. Larry Hogan is the governor of Mary- ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday announce the installation of the first section of the Purple Line transit track being built in On Interstate 270, which serves land and the chair of the National Maryland. The $5.6 billion project is the largest public-private partnership transit project many of Maryland’s suburbs and bus- Governors Association. 6 in North America. Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor. tling biotechnology corridor, we are A S Let’s work together to build a A pecial strong market for electric transportation S dvertising

keeping electricity affordable, reliable are supporting the Driving America industry are united in our commitment

and secure. Forward Act (S. 1094/H.R. 2256), which to get as clean as we can, as fast as we toupplement T The Edison Electric Institute’s expands the EV tax credit to help con- can, while keeping reliability and af- (EEI’s) member companies — our na- tinue to spur growth and innovation in fordability front and center as always. tion’s investor-owned electric compa- domestic manufacturing of EVs. This Collectively, we are on a path to reduce nies — are leading the clean energy legislation also is widely supported carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030 transformation by continuing to reduce by a broad coalition of stakeholders and 80 percent by 2050, compared with THE WASHINGTON TIMES CO2 in our sector and by helping other that includes electric companies, auto 2005 levels. By accelerating electrifica- he Washington T sectors transition to clean, efficient manufacturers, charging technology tion in the transportation sector, we can electric energy. providers, consumer advocates, envi- leverage the already ongoing emis- Today, the transportation sector ronmental groups and public health sion reductions in the power sector to is the largest domestic source of CO2 organizations. We urge Congress to meet economy-wide carbon reduction emissions and was responsible for 36 move this legislation over the finish goals and build a cleaner and stronger

percent of all U.S. CO2 emissions in line as soon as possible. economy for the future. imes 2018. To deliver America’s clean energy At the same time, several Senators |

future, it is critical to reduce emissions are looking to map out additional paths Tom Kuhn is president of the Edison Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 in the transportation sector. to reduce U.S. carbon emissions. While Electric Institute, the association of U.S. By Tom Kuhn Recognizing the vital role of electric customers today have dozens of EV investor-owned electric companies. merica has a unique op- transportation, EEI’s member compa- models to choose from at every price portunity to build an econ- nies are working with their communi- point, fewer than 1 percent of vehicles omy of the future that is ties and their regulators to invest in on U.S. roads are EVs. cleaner and stronger than the charging infrastructure that will The benefits of increasingly elec- ever before. Advances in enable greater adoption of emissions- trifying the transportation sector go far technology and decreasing free electric vehicles (EVs). We also are beyond passenger vehicles. Across the costs for natural gas, renewables and working closely with many Members of country, electric buses and taxis will energyA storage — along with energy Congress and their staff on both sides lead to improved air quality and reduced efficiency gains and the carbon-free of the aisle to identify opportunities to emissions in our cities. And, electrified energy provided by existing nuclear support the emerging EV market. airports, seaports and truck stops can power plants — are making it pos- We are pleased that many law- dramatically lower emissions related to sible to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) makers, in both the U.S. House of transporting cargo from coast to coast. emissions across our economy, while Representatives and the U.S. Senate, EEI’s member companies and our 7 A D+ report card means there’s a lot of work to do on infrastructure

wins in the last few years to repair and take emergency action to fill the pot- from investments in rail, buses, side- bolster this critical backbone of our holes and repave the road. walks and bike lanes. In this area, the state — but with the American Society But emergency repairs aren’t enough. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit of Civil Engineers giving America’s We need to make serious investments Authority (WMATA) is a critical piece infrastructure a grade of D+, we have a in this road, which connects business of our transportation system. lot of work to do. and commerce to the people of our In 2008, I worked with a bipartisan When we consider infrastructure, state. That’s why I secured a $75 million group of members from the region to the first thing most people think of is increase in a program that can be used pass legislation to create an annual roads. Every day, thousands of Mary- to support BW Parkway repairs as part federal contribution of $150 million for landers take them to school, to work, to of an overall highway funding bill that WMATA’s capital funding, and I have visit family and friends. And, according will be used to repair similar roads in worked in subsequent years, including to that same report, the damage done our state and across the country. That on the Senate Appropriations Commit- to cars from roads in disrepair costs legislation unanimously passed the tee, to ensure that the federal govern- drivers, on average, hundreds of dollars Senate Appropriations Committee. Next ment meets its commitment. I am also per year. stop is full Senate action. working with Senator Cardin and our Virginia colleagues on new legislation to renew the federal contribution to Metro By Sen. Chris Van Hollen We have secured some important wins in the last for the next decade, provide critical few years to repair and bolster this critical backbone safety reforms and strengthen oversight. ’m proud to represent Maryland, of our state — but with the American Society of Another Maryland transit project, the which is often called America Purple Line, which will connect the two in Miniature because of our Civil Engineers giving America’s infrastructure arms of the Red Line and the Green and geographic and demographic a grade of D+, we have a lot of work to do. Orange lines, is being financed through diversity. an innovative public-private partnership That nickname also holds (PPP) that includes federal, state, and true with respect to the variety of our One of the most egregious examples Of course, driving is not the only private dollars. Both WMATA and the Iinfrastructure. Our state is home to of late was the Baltimore-Washington way to move around Maryland. Ef- Purple Line help connect area riders an array of roads, heavy rail, light rail Parkway. Earlier this year, the potholes ficient public transportation and safe throughout our region to work, home, and ports — all of which impact every on the parkway had gotten so bad that biking and pedestrian right-of-ways are shopping and recreation while reducing aspect of life and business. And from the National Park Service (NPS), which a vital part of our state’s transportation road congestion and air pollution. mes i George Washington’s efforts to expand owns a portion of the road, significantly network — and are central to reducing Finally, while it may not immedi- canals to Dwight Eisenhower’s creation lowered the speed limit because of the traffic and lowering smog and carbon ately come to mind as critical everyday on T of the interstate highway system, the terrible conditions. Marylanders were emissions. Every time we consider ways infrastructure, Maryland is home to a gt n federal government has played a critical understandably upset about the situa- to reduce congestion and move people series of ports that are essential to our hi role in developing and maintaining this tion, and I went to NPS and urged them and goods more efficiently, we must economic success. The largest is the public good. to take immediate steps to improve the consider the multiple ways people com- Port of Baltimore, which generates over e Was

h We have secured some important conditions. We were able to get NPS to mute and the benefits that can come 139,180 jobs and billions of dollars in

o T personal, business and tax revenue. As

t a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve worked to secure tens of millions in funding for the Port — from necessary dredging that allows large upplemen ships to pass through, to environmental

g S improvements that protect our health n i

s while allowing the Port to thrive, to widening the Howard Street Tunnel to ON TI MES allow double-stack freight trains to move tidver goods to and from the Port. al A i Modernizing our infrastructure AS HI N GT is necessary to keep Maryland mov- pec ing — and these investments boost our A S TH E W

| economy, create jobs, protect our environment, improve our quality of life and keep us safe. We continue to make these investments with vigorous oversight to ensure that taxpayer funds are put to good use. Working together, we must keep fighting until Maryland and our country gets a much higher grade for the condition of our infrastructure. Our future success depends on it.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Demo- crat, has served in the United States Sen-

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday ate since January 2017. He is a member of the Senate Appropriations and Environ- 8 ment and Public Works Committees. Communities need alternatives to driving Infrastructure includes bike paths, sidewalks

growing air pollution from vehicles and transportation programs. This legisla- ensure that smaller municipal planning engines and runoff from roads, high- tion is an important, bipartisan first organizations, who might not be able to ways and bridges to surface water that step in ensuring the stability of these afford the expensive technical assis- present formidable threats to our health, programs over the coming years. It also tance it requires to apply for a grant, are well-being and security. Taken together, establishes a package of new policies able to participate. these realities highlight the need for to address climate change, including a There is much more work to be smart transportation and infrastructure grant program to fund the infrastructure done, starting with the recognition policies that are informed by data and needed to support electric vehicles. that new highway capacity is not a science, work to reduce our carbon But to take on the challenge of magic formula to erase our congestion emissions, and help communities adapt reducing our emissions and making our problem and boost our infrastructure to and thrive in a world of human-driven systems more resilient to the impacts needs. Communities of every size need climate change. already felt, shifting drivers into electric meaningful alternatives to driving, not Whether we call it extreme weather vehicles is not enough. simply as luxury, nice-to-have commu- or climate change, the impacts have Years ago, I was proud to co-author nity amenities, but as a more definitive already arrived. Unfortunately, many of bipartisan legislation that established response to endless hours stuck in traf- our current public works were not built the Transportation Alternatives Pro- fic, to hours-long commutes for those with an eye towards the frequency or gram (TAP). This popular program among us who cannot afford a car or a By Sen. Ben Cardin intensity of the natural hazards we are provides funding for state and local gov- home close to job opportunities, and to experiencing. In 2016 and 2018, floods ernments to expand and improve their tens of thousands of lives lost to vehicle nvesting in infrastructure has in southwest Baltimore and Ellicott City infrastructure supporting bike paths, collisions on our roadways. This also been a priority for Democrats, claimed the lives of three Maryland- sidewalks and safe routes to school. is a public health issue — and not only Republicans and Independents. ers and caused damage to homes and This year, I am optimistic that we will because of pollution. We all agree we need to get it done businesses. Climate stressors like ex- make enhancements to the program, The number of people dying on our sooner rather than later when the treme heat and flash flooding can lead along with increases in the budget, in roadways each year remains alarm- need will be more urgent and the to buckling roads and overwhelmed the upcoming transportation reauthori- ingly high — more than 36,000 in 2018. remedies more expensive. stormwater systems. zation bill. The perennial oversubscrip- According to the latest numbers from IAs Congress looks to define how best As we plan for infrastructure im- tion to this program demonstrates the the National Highway Traffic Admin- to invest in our nation’s infrastructure, provement, it is imperative that we un- real hunger nationwide for alternatives istration, 2018 saw a small decrease in we should start by acknowledging two derstand and prepare for future impacts to driving for access work, school and fatalities from the previous year, but

undeniable realities: Investing in all to our system now in order to save time community amenities. the number of pedestrian and bicyclist A S types of infrastructure is critical for and money in the long run. Opportunities to expand bike and deaths increased. This is unacceptable. A pecial ensuring economic growth today and This summer, the Senate Committee pedestrian infrastructure are not Nationwide, our cities and towns prosperity for generations of Americans on Environment and Public Works unan- exclusive to large metropolitan areas. demand safe, walkable neighborhoods

in the future. Secondly, transportation imously approved a bill that provides a In fact, the Transportation Alternatives offering easier access to jobs and other S dvertising is one of the leading contributors to the five-year reauthorization of our surface Program is specifically designed to resources. Recent research shows that entrepreneurship tends to thrive in these kinds of places as well, with new businesses less impressed by wider

highways and more drawn to walkable, toupplement T transit-served communities. While we await action from the House and other Senate Committees to advance their titles of the surface transportation reauthorization bill, it would THE WASHINGTON TIMES be helpful to have some input from the he Washington T White House. They have been silent on the details of an infrastructure plan and have done everything possible to move in the opposite direction of the most recent scientific data, even as it relates to

national security, economic competitive- imes ness and public health. |

The imperatives of addressing ex- Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 treme weather and climate change, as well as economic growth and competitiveness, and improving our quality of life are all aligned in favor of smarter transportation policies that offer relief from the status quo of highway gridlock and escalating emissions, and I am committed to continue to work on these policies in the Senate.

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Maryland Dem- ocrat, serves on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where he is the Ranking Member on the Transporta- tion and Infrastructure Subcommittee. 9 Congress must keep rural America in mind when debating infrastructure

By Selena Shilad and has projected that these investments Betsy Huber have already translated into $2.72 billion in savings, but we still have a t is exciting and encouraging that lot to do. Congress recently passed a in the coming months, Congress Reauthorization bill that secured long- may take up the important prior- term funding for the Federal Aviation ity of infrastructure. As part Administration to continue building of this debate, there are many on modernization progress to date, and complex and evolving chal- we applaud this important legislation. lenges related to our national avia- Our aviation system is currently the Ition network and our transportation largest and most diverse in the world, system as a whole — Ubers of the and in order to retain and grow this sky, drones and, of course, broader diversity, we must ensure ongoing and issues related to ports, highways, rail stable investment in these moderniza- and many others. In the midst of all of tion investments. these important priorities, we encour- As we work to achieve this goal, it is age leaders to keep in mind the needs important that we ensure that our sys- of rural America and the thousands tem is not handed off to one or more of businesses, farms, industries and monopoly providers or stakehold- communities throughout our country ers, which would result in decreased that depend on general aviation and competition and efficiency as well as airports of all sizes. increased taxes and fees as we have What most people do not know seen in systems in Europe, Canada is that there are over 5,000 airports and New Zealand. Delays in Europe around the country, and the major- more than doubled in 2018, compared ity of commercial traffic goes through with the previous year, costing the only about 30 of those airports. This European economy €17.6 billion, and means that for thousands of communi- this has been attributed to mismanage- ties around the nation, this smaller- ment by private air navigation service airport network — used largely by providers, which have not invested in mes i small general aviation aircraft — is a necessary technology and capacity. literal lifeline to small and mid-size NAV Canada, which is often held up as on T communities. a system that the U.S. should emulate, gt

n Flights from these airports sup- has also seen increased fees and record hi port food production and agriculture, delays at major airports — and their including the soy, poultry, wheat, fish- system will need at least 1,000-2,000 e Was

h ing and other industries, as well as our new controllers by next year. Also, we

o T mining, forestry, energy, financial and have already seen restricted airspace

t construction sectors, among many oth- and increased fees on operators in New ers. Smaller aircraft and airports aid Zealand’s system. local farms and ranches as they survey In the midst of these debates, one of and treat crops and livestock, help our our top priorities must be to retain ac-

upplemen communities to oversee our power cess for businesses, farms, agricultural

g S grid, and serve as bases for flight train- What most people do not know is that there are over industries and communities to airports n i

s ing and disaster relief. 5,000 airports around the country, and the majority of of all sizes and our aviation system as Our aviation network also supports a whole. This is critical to the viability

ON TI MES commercial traffic goes through only about 30 of those access to countless services, including of our agricultural and other sectors, tidver organ and blood transport, medical airports. This means that for thousands of communities to ensure that communities have ac- al A

i care, firefighting, law enforcement, around the nation, this smaller-airport network — cess to the services and resources that AS HI N GT border patrol and other civic functions. they need, and to grow our economy

pec used largely by small general aviation aircraft — is a Rural hospitals are closing at a record as a whole. For smaller communities, A S TH E W literal lifeline to small and mid-size communities.

| rate, meaning that for many Americans, businesses and our agricultural indus- these aircraft are the only connection try, this access is absolutely vital to to life-saving health care in times of activity and is one of the few manufac- we can continue to stay competitive economic viability. Let’s stay on track, emergency. turing sectors that contributes posi- and foster a thriving aviation indus- build on our current progress and con- General aviation also supports tively to America’s balance of trade. try. That is why we support HR 5118, tinue to work with all stakeholders of businesses of all sizes as a tool to As a result, we must continue to in- which was recently introduced in all sizes to ensure that our U.S. aviation increase productivity, reach far-off vest in and support this vital industry. Congress, and would authorize public remains the largest and most diverse in plants, transport tools and personnel, A recent study found that our service announcements to educate the world. and stay competitive in an increasingly country will need 131,000 commercial future professionals about the benefits global economy. When companies and pilots, 60,000 business aviation pilots of careers in aviation and across the Selena Shilad is the Executive Direc- communities across our country need and 21,000 civil helicopter pilots in transportation sector. tor of Alliance for Aviation Across to attract and retain business, it is their the coming years. This means it is We also need continued investment America. Betsy Huber is Presi- local airport that is often a key compo- important to foster enthusiasm in in and implementation of “NextGen” dent of the National Grange of the

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday nent of this strategy. All told, general flying and give our young people the modernization technology so that we Order of Patrons of Husbandry. aviation supports over 1 million jobs motivation, tools and education they can increase efficiency and capacity in 10 and over $200 billion in economic need to pursue careers in aviation so our air traffic control system. The FAA General aviation and local airports are a lifeline to small communities across our country. A S A pecial S dvertising toupplement T THE WASHINGTON TIMES he Washington T

We urge Congress to keep the needs imes | of rural America in mind as we Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 consider infrastructure.

Learn more at: AviationAcrosssAmerica.com

11 America’s ‘Marine Highways’ getting ship-shape Inland waterways included in highway reauthorization bill

Oklahoma, through Arkansas, to the billion from the Highway Trust Fund system and flood protection projects. Mississippi River. over five years. With this money, we can This year, Oklahoma has been buffeted The MKARNS supports economic go a long way in maintaining and repair- by severe weather and floods that have activity across a 12-state region, moving ing America’s infrastructure. damaged homes, businesses, farms and 10.9 million tons of commerce worth Since we need to ensure we are vital infrastructure across the state. $3.5 billion annually. It is a vital corridor investing these additional resources What can we do to make sure folks for agriculture commerce — farmers efficiently, the ATIA includes provisions in my state don’t have to go through the and ranchers rely on its availability year to improve project delivery by reducing same heartbreak they did this year? We round to move crops to markets in all needless and burdensome regulations. must make it easier to address the aging seasons and facilitate the movement of These provisions build on the streamlin- infrastructure and critical maintenance fertilizer domestically to prepare for the ing provisions I negotiated in the FAST of our nation’s inland waterways system. growing season each year. Act and would codify President Trump’s This means reducing needless environ- Nationwide, the MKARNS is Executive Order creating the “One mental reviews and costly and repeti- responsible for employing more than Federal Decision” process. This process tive federal permitting requirements. 55,000 individuals — jobs related to would direct that environmental reviews We should extend the codification of port operations, shippers on the river, for major transportation projects should the “One Federal Decision” process for recreation activities and other private be completed in two years, accelerating major surface transportation infrastruc- By Sen. James Inhofe sector investment. project delivery and allowing for the re- ture projects to major inland waterway This provision is a monumental view, permitting and approval processes infrastructure projects. ur nation’s infrastructure change, the first of its kind, recogniz- to be conducted more efficiently — sav- We have gotten a lot done this year is crumbling. The good ing the huge role waterways, and the ing Oklahoma time and money when to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, news? We are rebuilding. MKARNS, play in our lives. starting new infrastructure projects. but we’re not close to done. Our nation’s When I was chairman This bill also continues the fair While I am proud of the progress roads, bridges and waterways aren’t of the U.S. Senate Commit- formula for state apportionment fund- we have made to rebuild our infra- going away. We need to put in the time tee on Environment and ing I authored in the 2005 highway bill structure across the nation in highway and effort it takes to ensure our roads Public Works, I led the charge to enact (SAFETEA-LU), so that Oklahoma no bill reauthorizations, there are more and bridges do their jobs for years to Othe Fixing America’s Surface Transporta- longer pays more in gas taxes and other opportunities. come. Now, let’s get to work. tion Act (FAST Act) of 2015, which went transportation user fees than we would The Committee on Environment and a long way in rebuilding our roads. The receive each year in federal highway Public Works is also working to com- Sen. James Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican, FAST Act established a new freight pro- funds. It is the largest investment in our plete the Water Resources Development is chairman of the Senate Armed Services gram focused on improving the move- nation’s highway and transportation in- Act of 2020, legislation focused on in- Committee and serves on the Senate Envi- mes i ment of goods by dedicating funding to frastructure in history, authorizing $287 vesting in our nation’s inland waterways ronment and Public Works Committee. upgrading freight corridors and associ- on T ated assets allowing for local businesses gt

n and farmers to transport products and hi materials more efficiently, cutting down costs for them and their consumers. e Was

h Now, we have a historic opportunity

o T to target needed investment to improve

t freight mobility on our nation’s waterways. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed unanimously a new

upplemen highway reauthorization bill, America’s

g S Transportation Infrastructure Act of n i

s 2019 (ATIA). As Marine Highways, waterways are ON TI MES a vital and often unseen mode of our na- tidver tion’s infrastructure that have not been al A

i prioritized in previous highway bills. AS HI N GT No longer. ATIA includes a provision I pec authored to amend existing freight pro- A S TH E W

| grams to allow states new flexibility to modernize waterways that serve as important maritime freight corridors. For the first time, it would also allow states the opportunity to apply for federal discretionary freight grants and direct that funding to Marine Highways — moving tons of cargo from congested roadways to waterways. I am especially proud of the waterways provisions in ATIA because of what it means for the MKARNS in Okla- homa. The MKARNS, also known as the

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Naviga- Webbers Falls Lock and Dam in eastern Oklahoma is one of 18 locks and dams in the 445-mile McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River tion System, is a key navigation system Navigation System (MKARNS). The system supports agricultural and other commercial activity worth $3.5 billion a year. Photo courtesy 12 extending from Tulsa and Muskogee, of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Tulsa District. Strengthening water infrastructure Inland waterways key to jobs, farming, economic development, recreation

We’re also continuing efforts to operating under a critical backlog of Arkansas and Oklahoma to apply for update our aging water infrastructure much needed modernizations. This federal discretionary grant funding as by enhancing inland waterways. This has prevented routine maintenance well as allow states to use their federal critical component of our nation’s and deepening of the waterway so freight formula funding on waterway transportation system is integral to that barges and boats can carry larger projects. Our provisions will provide job creation, economic development, loads. Deepening the channel would the MKARNS with a number of new transportation, recreation and farming. provide a 40 percent increase in funding outlets that were not previ- The agriculture industry relies on a capacity for river barges to transport ously available. diverse network of intermodal transpor- products for farmers and factories and We are working on a number of tation, which is why investments in our reduce the price of goods for consum- fronts to strengthen our nation’s water intermodal infrastructure are needed ers across the country. infrastructure. One of the top priori- now to remain competitive globally. ties of the EPW Committee in the 116th Many hard-working Arkansans rely heav- Congress is passing comprehensive ily on our surface transportation system This major waterway legislation that improves our water re- to ship their crops across the country extends from the Tulsa, sources policy to expand opportunity, or export them all over the world. It is Oklahoma, area flowing promote commerce and reduce flood imperative that our policies reflect the risks in projects overseen by the U.S. By Sen. John Boozman importance of intermodal transportation. through Arkansas to Army Corps of Engineers. Goods rarely get from point A to point the Mississippi River. The Water Resources Development ur country’s infrastruc- B using just one form of transportation. It’s an economic asset Act is traditionally reauthorized bien- ture systems are in criti- The trucking industry regularly collabo- nially. In the last three Congresses, we cal need of updating. For- rates with rail to haul freight, making it that provides reliable were able to accomplish this in a bipar- tunately, infrastructure is one of rail’s top customers. transportation for goods tisan manner. I am hopeful that we can one of the few things that One waterway system particularly in a 12-state region. continue that cooperation as we write truly has bipartisan sup- important to transportation in the Natu- the 2020 bill. port in Washington. ral State is the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas Our public policy needs to support Ensuring we invest in water infra- OMy colleagues and I have stressed River Navigation System (MKARNS). this economic engine. That’s why Sen. structure will save money in the long to the administration that it’s time to This major waterway extends from the Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican and term and help create growth and devel- broaden the scope of traditional infra- Tulsa, Oklahoma, area flowing through a longtime advocate for the MKARNS, opment in communities throughout the

structure investment. The response has Arkansas to the Mississippi River. It’s and I teamed up to offer funding solu- country. A S been positive. We agree that Washington an economic asset that provides reliable tions for this critical waterway. The A pecial can no longer only fund the traditional transportation for goods in a 12-state re- Senate Committee on Environment Sen. John Boozman, Arkansas Republi- three “Rs” of infrastructure: roads, rails gion. A recent economic analysis of the and Public Works (EPW) included our can, serves on the Senate Committee on

and runways. Infrastructure plans for the MKARNS found that it generates a total commonsense measures in the Amer- Environment and Public Works; Senate S dvertising 21st century must incorporate broadband of $10.45 billion in sales, $350 million in ica’s Transportation Infrastructure Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, internet access, modernization of our taxes and contributes more than 63,618 Act (ATIA), which was unanimously and Forestry; Senate Committee on Ap- electric grid and improvements to water jobs to the national economy. approved by the EPW Committee propriations; and Senate Committee on infrastructure systems. For too long the MKARNS has been in July. Our provisions would allow Veterans’ Affairs.

An American Society of Civil En- toupplement T

gineers study estimates $271 billion in

wastewater infrastructure funding is i R

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a needed over the next 20 years to meet C

er Riv ARKANSAS RIVER o) current and future demand. The analysis sh eo MISSOURI (N d n ARKANSAS a indicates an additional $1 trillion will be r PENSACOLA

G THE WASHINGTON TIMES

he Washington T (LAKE needed over the next 25 years to main- TULSA HUDSON) CATOOSA Verdigris River Markham Ferry iver tain and expand drinking water services. is R no lli KEYSTONE NEWT I

GRAHAM T Fortunately, we’ve already begun CIMARRON RIVER OKLAHOMA HEYBURN L&D 18

k ee T taking steps to recognize and address Cr cat Pole CHOUTEAU L&D 17 FORT the need to upgrade water infrastruc- GIBSON MUSKOGEE p Fork Rive JAMES W. Dee r k e TRIMBLE ek e ture, particularly for small and rural 44 WEBBERS TENKILLER erry Cre r

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re L&D 13 Mu C y FALLS FERRY e Big u T e e o L OSARK-JETA y imes

n L&D 16 W. D. MAYO i a P B communities. Last Congress, I led an TAYLOR L&D 12 anadian Rive is rth C r g e No L&D 14 i o e ov B n v lli o m k 40 I Re ree

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initiative to modernize water infrastruc- T e P on R r T T . k t r ad P o C F k T t r n

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a t r Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 ture investment by making it easier r E r d Channel ve FORT SMITH A o a i R N C EUFAULA R T K ork

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a AS RIV as TOAD SUCK e DARDANELLE ERT E 67 and more affordable for states to meet ROBERT S. t o P L&D 10 FERRY L&D 8

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ve R a T LaF um River WISTER che NIMROD Little Ma elle communities throughout the country Four 40 LITTLE ROCK k Cree

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that are often unable to afford upgrades Fo R

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B P replacements to these vital pieces of P Canal I PINE BLUFF S IS S infrastructure will be a much needed T IS

ARKANSAS M EMMETT SANDERS POST T

L&D 4 T relief for many towns and cities in my T JOE HARDIN MONTGOMERY state of Arkansas and across the coun- The McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) is part L&D 3 POINT L&D LOCK 2 WILBUR D. try. My proposal was incorporated into of the inland waterway system originating at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and MILLS DAM a comprehensive water infrastructure running southeast through Oklahoma and Arkansas to the Mississippi River. bill that was signed into law by Presi- Image courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Tulsa District. dent Trump in 2018. 13 America’s waterways: Critical to our nation’s economy and security

move as much cargo as 16 rail cars or with which vessel owners and mariners to increased risk from the proliferation 70 tractor-trailers. That means a typical must contend. Public policy challenges, of unsafe foreign vessels and crew- 15-barge tow does the job of over 1,000 though less visible to most Americans ing practices; and the Coast Guard’s trucks, helping to alleviate gridlock on than the effects of hurricanes, deep complex mission of securing our critical our crowded highways. freezes or severe flooding, are no less infrastructure from maritime threats Even as the industry continues to consequential for the ability of this would be made even harder by the influx make these vital contributions, 2019 has industry to deliver for the American of foreign vessels. Policymakers must been an operationally challenging year, people. These challenges are substantial continue to support this foundational particularly for inland barge and towing and must be addressed with care. economic and homeland security law. vessel operators still contending with First, the Jones Act — a law with Second, activist states continue to try the effects of record-setting high water strong bipartisan support that requires to usurp federal authority over com- conditions across the Midwest and that vessels transporting cargo between mercial navigation, creating a patchwork southern United States. But our compa- two U.S. ports be American-built, of state regulations that impedes the ef- nies and their mariners are no strangers American-owned and American-crewed ficient movement of vessels across state to unforgiving weather and have a long — is critical to our nation’s economic, lines. Vessels routinely travel through history of going up against the elements, national and homeland security, and multiple states and mariners rely on persevering, and getting the job done yet remains under attack from a vocal consistent regulations to do their jobs By Thomas A. Allegretti — a direct result of the commitment, minority seeking to overturn or weaken safely and efficiently. The Constitution resilience and ingenuity that define the it. Without the Jones Act, thousands reserves jurisdiction over interstate ne year ago last month, the tugboat, towboat and barge community. of American jobs would be lost; our commerce to the federal government, U.S. Coast Guard published As devastating as Mother Nature can military would lose an essential source not the individual states, and the federal its Maritime Commerce be in this business, natural hazards and of cargo transport and sealift support; government must actively assert its con- Strategic Outlook, which disasters are not the only challenges our waterways would be less safe due stitutional authority to keep commerce describes its long-term vi- moving on the waterways. sion for enabling maritime Third, as the result of a 15-year part- commerce and securing the maritime nership between industry and the Coast Oenvironment. In his introduction to this Guard, federal “Subchapter M” towing comprehensive plan, Admiral Karl L. vessel inspection regulations went into Schultz, Commandant, observes: “Our effect last year, with the goal of elevat- waterways, a wealth of natural resources ing safety across the entire industry. To and marine transportation networks, ensure these regulations are success- mes i remain critical to our prosperity, our ful, the Coast Guard must commit to security, and our identity as a Nation.” proactive enforcement to address unsafe on T The men and women of the Ameri- operators and ensure that the regula- gt

n can tugboat, towboat and barge indus- tions are applied consistently from one hi try live those words every day as they geographic zone to the next. Both steps navigate our nation’s rivers, Great Lakes, are critical to ensuring that the regula- e Was

h harbors and coastal waters to deliver the tions achieve their promise of higher

o T cargo that drives our nation’s economy. standards of safety and environmental

t Every year, in the course of transport- protection with no disruption of mari- ing over 760 million tons of commodities time commerce. that power our homes, fuel our cars, en- Finally, towing vessels cannot operate able construction of our roads and build- safely or efficiently without the right

upplemen ings, and feed our families, this industry infrastructure in place. Safe and efficient

g S generates over $33 billion in GDP and navigation requires modern, well main- n i

s supports over 300,000 jobs nationwide. tained locks and dams, ports dredged And as it helps drive America’s pros- to the necessary depth, and the ability ON TI MES perity, the tugboat, towboat and barge to rapidly disburse funds to undertake tidver industry is also indispensable to our emergency dredging on flooded rivers al A

i nation’s security: transporting military when needed. Congress must commit to AS HI N GT cargo throughout the country; perform- funding waterways infrastructure needs, pec ing vital ship-assist services to ensure even in the absence of a comprehensive A S TH E W

| that military and commercial ships can transportation infrastructure package. dock safely in our nation’s busy ports; America is a maritime nation not serving as eyes and ears for the Coast only because of its vast network of navi- Guard to help identify potential threats; gable waterways but also because of the and, without hesitation, assisting in men and women of the tugboat, towboat rescue, evacuation, and delivery of relief and barge industry, whose daily work supplies in times of disaster. fuels our economy and strengthens our Through it all, barge transportation security. We must support policies that operates as the safest, most efficient, position this vital industry to continue and most environmentally friendly to thrive. mode of freight transportation. Barge transportation, by far, poses the lowest Thomas A. Allegretti is President & CEO risk of injuries to the public compared of The American Waterways Operators.

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday to other freight transportation modes, 14 and a single inland dry cargo barge can Images courtesy of The American Waterways Operators. The Tugboat, Towboat and Barge Industry Supporting over 300,000 jobs nationwide Serving as a committed, proven partner with the Coast Guard in keeping our waterways safe from accidents and secure from threats Reliably transporting military cargo and helping military and other vessels dock safely in ports across the country A S

Safely and efﬁciently delivering over 760 million tons A pecial of cargo every year, including energy sources and

agricultural products that sustain our way of life S dvertising

But it all goes away without the Jones Act.

Support American Prosperity and Security. toupplement T Support the Jones Act. Learn more at THE WASHINGTON TIMES www.americanwaterways.com he Washington T imes | Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019

15 Lessons in success: Nebraska sets examples for infrastructure legislation

sales tax receipts toward improving and comes from customs duties, excise the driver’s seat to get projects moving. maintaining Nebraska’s roads. This bill taxes and fees already collected by the States know their own constituents’ will generate an estimated $1.2 billion in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs best and deserve the flexibility revenue for roads over a 20-year period. on freight and passengers. In other to deliver infrastructure projects more In the U.S. Senate, I am bringing words, this is a revenue option that efficiently, rather than waiting for fed- these innovative ideas to the federal is available now, has a transportation eral approval. level. This year, I reintroduced the nexus and would not require establish- There is a persistent belief in Wash- Build USA Infrastructure Act, which ing a new program or raising taxes. ington that improving our nation’s is modeled on my work in Nebraska. The agency only uses a small portion infrastructure can only be achieved by First, it ensures there is continued of this revenue for operations, so al- increasing taxes, but our successes in By Sen. Deb Fischer funding for our roads and bridges. If locating it to transportation would not Nebraska show otherwise. Finding in- Congress does not act to reauthorize affect CBP’s operating budget. novative funding solutions and getting hether it is driv- the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which Building on the FFPP, my bill would big government out of the way so that ing to the grocery allocates federal transportation dollars also allow states to enter into volun- states can best determine their own store, commuting to to states to pay for surface transporta- tary state remittance agreements with needs is a proven method for improv- work or taking their tion infrastructure, the Congressional the Federal Highway Administration. ing infrastructure. family on vacation, Budget Office (CBO) estimates that by As part of these agreements, states I will continue to advocate for Americans rely on FY 2020 the fund will be exhausted. would choose to remit federal high- legislation that strips away unneces- a complex network of transportation By the year 2028, the HTF is expected way dollars in exchange for greater sary regulatory burdens and unlocks Winfrastructure — from rural roads to to face a cumulative shortfall of ap- control over the design, permitting our nation’s full potential. By bringing bridges to interstate highways — in proximately $145 billion. My legislation and construction of an infrastructure some of Nebraska’s best practices to order to go about their daily lives. would directly address the fund’s near- project. It does not change the federal Washington, we can deliver long-term These surface transportation term solvency by directing $21.4 billion requirements, which states will still investments that facilitate commerce networks are vital, and I believe it is a annually to the HTF. This revenue have to meet, but it does put states in and allow American families, com- core responsibility of the government munities and businesses to succeed for to ensure our infrastructure safely years to come. meets the needs for a mobile, growing Finding innovative funding solutions and getting and vibrant society. big government out of the way so that states Sen. Deb Fischer, Nebraska Republican, In the Senate, I am serving my fifth can best determine their own needs is a proven is a member of the Senate Commerce, year as the chairman of the Transpor- Science and Transportation Commit- tation and Safety Subcommittee in the method for improving infrastructure. tee and chairman of the Transporta- mes i Commerce, Science, and Transporta- tion and Safety Subcommittee. tion Committee. In that role, I’ve made on T it a top priority to both ensure the gt

n safety of our surface transportation hi system and streamline the regulatory obstacles that impede needed e Was

h infrastructure projects and hinder the

o T movement of people and goods across

t the country. To do so, I’ve relied on the lessons from my successes as a state senator in the Nebraska Unicam- eral. Through these successes, we can

upplemen develop a blueprint at the federal level

g S for funding necessary improvements to n i

s transportation infrastructure. While serving in the Nebraska ON TI MES Legislature, I spearheaded legislation tidver that was later signed into law to give al A

i local communities more control over AS HI N GT highway construction. That bill tasked pec Nebraska’s Department of Roads with A S TH E W

| creating the Federal Funds Purchase Program (FFPP), where counties could voluntarily remit a portion of their federal transportation dollars to the state and in exchange receive funds under more reasonable regulatory requirements. Nebraskans have already reaped the rewards. This program is popular: Every county across the state continues to take advantage of it. Another initiative I championed at the state level was the Build Nebraska Act, which ensured there is sufficient

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday funding to meet Nebraska’s surface transportation needs by redirecting 16 one-quarter of one cent of existing illustration by linas garsys Closing the digital divide

don’t have a choice. inward because they see potential So, they go elsewhere, and local These days, encountering a spotty for growth with minimal risk — but businesses go nowhere, unable cell phone signal or internet connec- there’s only so far they can go. to expand into the global online tion causes concern in Americans Rural communities don’t have marketplace. used to basking in the glow of 5G. much to offer in terms of operational And to think — a decade ago, we They’re living in stark contrast to support or a reliable customer base. wasted an opportunity to bridge the the millions of rural Americans for Furthermore, many of these com- digital divide. whom a broadband connection (or munities lack a crucial resource: the In 2009, President Barack Obama even the pop and hiss of agonizingly funding and infrastructure to back signed an economic recovery package slow dial up) is out of reach. reliable broadband service. that included $7.2 billion to expand In a world where even simple digi- Broadband networks rely on physi- broadband services in underserved tal interactions are supported by top- cal “Internet Exchange” (IX) points. areas. Predictably, those dollars By Sen. Marsha Blackburn of-the-line equipment and lightning- Without these hubs, subscribers of flowed to urban and suburban areas, fast connections, economies in rural different internet providers can’t leaving rural communities stranded he idea of “unplugging” America are falling behind. communicate with one another. on the far side of a gulf that Washing- for a country getaway has We read every day about entire While many businesses are cer- ton widened. a certain appeal. It is an industries setting up shop in budding tainly capable of fronting the costs As they say, mistakes were made escape, an opportunity metropolises like Omaha, Charlotte associated with securing the property, — but that doesn’t mean that rural to feel a little smug about and Nashville; to many, those glow- permits and equipment necessary to residents should be the ones to suffer selecting a destination that ing articles make corporate America’s build the actual exchange points and for it. informs guests they shouldn’t expect new hubs sound like remote outposts run connections to other hubs, there’s This year, I upped the ante on TWiFi — free, or otherwise. compared to the familiar crush of the no incentive for them to gamble on an broadband accessibility by introduc- How long that pastoral bliss lasts Eastern seaboard. Businesses move already stagnant economy. ing the bipartisan Internet Exchange depends entirely on your tolerance Act. When passed, the bill will offset for not knowing what’s going on the startup costs of establishing in your inbox; but eventually, any This year, I upped the ante on broadband accessibility broadband connections via a series digitally addicted creature worth by introducing the bipartisan Internet Exchange Act. of grants reserved exclusively for their smartphone will recede into her unserved rural areas. screens, searching for a signal and When passed, the bill will offset the startup costs of As with any program, infrastruc- declaring to unimpressed locals, I establishing broadband connections via a series of ture alone is no guarantee of suc- don’t know how y’all do it! grants reserved exclusively for unserved rural areas. cess, but the presence of new and

Friend, they do it because they expanded IX facilities will create a A S

stronger and more competitive web. A pecial More hubs will enable faster data transmissions, allowing local busi-

nesses to expand and e-commerce to S dvertising flourish. Farmers, manufacturers and miners will gain access to state of the art technologies that support safer and more productive operations.

Medical practitioners will be able to toupplement T care for neglected populations via telemedicine. Schools and libraries will have advanced educational tools at their fingertips. Local law enforcement will add an important tool to THE WASHINGTON TIMES their “public safety toolbox.” he Washington T Businesses looking to lay down roots will notice that rural communities are investing in themselves and give the area a second, third and final look before bringing in jobs and busi-

ness opportunities to local workers imes and entrepreneurs. |

But perhaps most importantly, Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 rural residents — and their guests — will be able to decide for themselves whether to connect, or unplug — and they’ll do it on their own terms.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Re- publican, serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation; Senate Committee on the Judiciary, where she leads the Technology Task Force; Sen- ate Committee on Armed Services; and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

illustration by greg groesch 17 mes i on T

gt Why would Congress add more dangers to firefighting? n hi use of plastic piping in buildings with buildings, water pipes that carry clean our government who believe that the e Was

h higher fire risk, like what we find in drinking water and water we use to answer to the plastic crisis would be

o T many high-rise apartment complexes. put out fires, and even our bridges and “more plastic.”

t A 2019 International Association roads. As a firefighter, I can tell you There is already enough plastic in of Fire Fighters (IAFF) statement that littering America’s infrastructure our daily lives. As the plastic indus- highlighted that plastic piping is a projects with more plastic would be try continues to struggle answering dangerous material in construction extremely hazardous to firefighter questions about the chemicals in their

upplemen that causes airborne and waterborne safety and would make it harder to materials, it’s no wonder as to why so

g S contamination. Additionally, the IAFF combat large fires. many business leaders and companies n i

s notes that gasses released from plas- The failure of plastic infrastructure across the country are trying to move tics can cause long-term health risks to is already being felt in places such as away from plastic use. ON TI MES workers exposed to these products. California. Firefighters have a dangerous job. tidver Between those health concerns for In the aftermath of the 2018 Camp We run toward the flames. Despite the al A

i first responders and the environmental Fire, residents and town officials in advanced technology of breathing ap- AS HI N GT issues giving rise to bans being put Paradise, California, discovered that paratus, we still risk inhaling toxins and pec into place to reduce plastic waste from their drinking water supply was con- noxious fumes at building and structure A S TH E W

| bags and straws, it is no wonder that taminated by the cancerous chemical fires. Our colleagues out West who By Kevin O’Connor plastic manufacturers are feeling pres- benzene. Not only did the fire ruin the combat wildfires do so at times without sure to change their public image. lives of so many, but the town is still similar protective gear because they are mong the many things The industry has undertaken a new struggling to recover — some wonder- spending days and sometimes weeks on firefighters learn in campaign to rebrand their products ing if it ever will — due in part to the the lines. the field is that plastic and has worked to support several lack of drinking water that’s available. I implore Congress on behalf of all burns hot and fast. It is a pieces of legislation in Congress that According to Dr. Andrew Whelton, a of my colleagues: Please do not to make combustible material and essentially boil down to the govern- Purdue University environmental en- our jobs more deadly by forcing more releases toxic smoke and ment picking winners and losers in gineer who has been assisting Paradise plastic into infrastructure projects by gases when burned. the materials used in infrastructure Irrigation District, and his colleague giving the plastics industry a handout AWhen fighting fires, we face major projects. Dr. Caitlin Proctor, the contamination from Uncle Sam. health risks due to inhaling these toxic Who are the losers? My firefighting likely came from “a combination of fumes. In large part, because it can make colleagues, who will end up facing more fumes being sucked into water pipes Kevin O’Connor is a past Chair of the

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday our jobs harder and more dangerous in plastic when they respond to a call. when the system pressure dropped, Congressional Fire Service Institute and the event of a fire, cities like New York If the plastics industry is success- and plastics decomposing in place.” a former firefighter/EMT in Baltimore 18 and San Francisco actually prohibit the ful, it would inject plastic into new I am baffled that there are some in County. Fighting Pipeline Attacks One Fact At A Time

Attacks on our nation’s energy infrastructure have exploded over the past few years. The spread of misinformation hinders the development of needed energy pipelines throughout the regulatory and construction process. 1RZ*URZ$PHULFDV,QIUDVWUXFWXUH1RZ *$,1 LV´JKWLQJEDFN

GAINFactChecker.org was created to increase the public’s awareness and XQGHUVWDQGLQJRISLSHOLQHLQIUDVWUXFWXUHDQG´JKWIDOVHQDUUDWLYHVDERXW infrastructure projects using evidence-based analysis.

.It’s time to Grow America’s Infrastructure Now. A S A pecial S dvertising toupplement T THE WASHINGTON TIMES he Washington T imes | Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019

Find out how you can join GAIN at [email protected] www.gainnow.org | @GAINNowAmerica

19 Congress should put aside political theatrics and fix our nation’s infrastructure

By Sen. Kevin Cramer

very day, members of Con- gress seem to be increasingly consumed with the Washington Beltway’s latest gossip or manufactured controversy. While these often consume media Ecoverage or become the talk of the town, these issues are not why the American people sent us to Wash- ington. They did so to work on their mes i behalf and make progress. One of those issues is improving our nation’s on T infrastructure. gt

n I believe, even in these divided hi times, infrastructure reform is possible. Why? Because it addresses the e Was

h real needs of Americans in every o T t The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) ... addresses water upplemen illustration by linas garsys

g S infrastructure projects n i

s related to ports, inland North Dakota, where our economic burdensome regulations and invests in infrastructure because it affects the

ON TI MES waterways, levees, dams, success is reliant on getting our en- tribal lands. Those aren’t Democratic jobs and livelihoods of the constituents tidver wetlands, watersheds and ergy, agricultural and other products to or Republican priorities. They are we serve.

al A coastal restoration. i market. Our legislation maintains the American priorities. With the backing Clearly, Congress has the opportu- AS HI N GT Again, the needs before current funding formula that ensures of the President and a strong bipartisan nity to make significant advancements pec North Dakota receives steady funding majority in Committee, I hope to see and improvements to our nation’s A S TH E W us affect all Americans

| and flexibility to prioritize our trans- Congress move this legislation quickly. infrastructure. Even amidst the ever- from coast to coast and portation needs. Building upon that success, EPW increasing political theater, we are everything between, As the bill was being written, I has already begun working to compile presented with the ability to pass real and they deserve reached out to city, county and state the Water Resources Development Act reforms making an impact on the lives meaningful progress. leaders asking for their input. They ex- (WRDA). This biannual bill addresses of our constituents. I urge my col- pressed their desire for a highway bill water infrastructure projects related to leagues to join me in a renewed focus reauthorization that works best for our ports, inland waterways, levees, dams, on these many opportunities before us. state, and their priorities are reflected wetlands, watersheds and coastal state across the country. As evidence, in the bill our committee passed. I restoration. Again, the needs before us Sen. Kevin Cramer, North Dakota Repub- I worked with my colleagues on the appreciate the feedback and priorities affect all Americans from coast to coast lican, serves on the Senate Environment Senate Environment and Public Works they provided, and I submitted their and everything between, and they de- and Public Works Committee, where he (EPW) Committee to pass the largest input into the Congressional Record to serve meaningful progress. Whether it is chair of the Subcommittee on Fisher- highway reauthorization bill in history, ensure their voices were heard. is dealing with flood mitigation or the ies, Water, and Wildlife; Senate Armed

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday and we did so unanimously. On top of all of that, our high- Army Corps’ disastrous Water Supply Services Committee; Senate Veterans Turning this legislation into law way bill grows the economy, en- proposal, there is bipartisan support Affairs Committee, Senate Banking Com- 20 would be a huge win for my state of hances roads and bridges, eliminates for addressing our nation’s water mittee; and Senate Budget Committee. For upcoming infrastructure projects, ‘Build Local, Hire Local’

to make it easier for companies to just on the bottom line but also on the generate jobs in the very counties In addition to spurring quality of jobs. and states where their transportation local job creation through The bill also dedicates invest- projects are located — it provides ment to struggling areas and con- necessary flexibility for transportation federally funded transit nects communities to greater op- agencies to implement geographi- projects nationwide, the portunity through new performance cally targeted hiring for procurement Build Local Hire Local Act measures and data on accessibility to preferences. ensures that construction transportation. In addition to spurring local job cre- Now is the time for Members on ation through federally funded transit and operation jobs both sides of the aisle in both cham- projects nationwide, the Build Local contribute to local bers to come together and fundamen- Hire Local Act ensures that construc- economic development tally change the way our infrastruc- tion and operation jobs contribute to ture system is set up to work for this local economic development of cities of cities and towns country. It’s time to ensure that our and towns where transportation proj- where transportation communities benefit from the projects ects exist. projects exist. in them That means this bill can also be By Rep. Karen Bass used as a tool by local and state agen- unions, community organizations, and Rep. Karen Bass, Los Angeles Demo- cies to address unemployment in some education and training providers. crat, serves on the House Committee hen an infrastructure of the hardest hit areas of our country. Especially crucial in ensuring on Foreign Affairs where she is the project is started in That’s the power of the flexibility that that communities benefit from these Chair of the Subcommittee on Africa, an area, it’s usually an this bill allows. projects is the participation of orga- Global Health, Global Human Rights inconvenience to the The bill also provides pathways nized labor. The Build Local Hire Local and International Organizations. She local community — to careers in construction, specialty Act encourages the use of best-value is also Chair of the House Judiciary sidewalks are closed, trades and other infrastructure jobs contracting, registered apprenticeships Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism detours are enforced, businesses are through a new $5 billion program to and neutrality in union organizing to and Homeland Security and Chair of Waffected. support training partnerships led by ensure projects place a premium not the Congressional Black Caucus. For the neighborhoods enduring

these obstacles, especially the neigh- A S borhoods in South Los Angeles, what A pecial can be just as painful as adjusting to the inconveniences that come with

these projects is watching people from S dvertising outside of your community come in from miles away to fill a job that you were qualified for. It’s the knowledge that the very construction jobs that are causing these toupplement T obstacles are not prioritized for those forced to live with the consequences of the project. When a new infrastructure project is started in South Los Angeles, it THE WASHINGTON TIMES should be our community who gets the he Washington T first shot at the new jobs associated with completing the project. The same should be said for a project in Atlanta, Georgia or Topeka, Kansas. It should be so nationwide.

In July, I joined Democratic New imes York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in | introducing a sweeping infrastructure Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 package to reform federal infrastructure programs and projects. The Build Local Hire Local Act would help raise wages and labor standards, invest in American manufacturing, and create new opportunities for Americans who are struggling to get high-quality jobs — especially those living in areas that experience frequent infrastructure activity. To build an American economy that works for everyone, we must enact a comprehensive infrastructure initiative that looks at employment. Our bill is a commonsense step for our government 21 Bipartisan pipelines bill needs action to keep U.S. energy safe, efficient

industry and technology have changed the ground” hardliners who have no with the Senate. immensely since 2016, and we can incor- interest in or knowledge of PHMSA’s T&I Republicans remain open to re- porate technological advances into regu- pipeline safety mission. suming discussions with our Democrat lations to deliver more efficient and safer I, along with the rest of the Transpor- colleagues, and I hope that the leader- operations. Every day of inaction only tation and Infrastructure (T&I) Com- ship on the other side is willing to roll further closes the window of opportunity. mittee Republicans, remain focused on up their sleeves and get back to work Abandoning efforts on a bipartisan delivering a bill that fosters collaboration with us. Improving pipeline safety is a pipeline reauthorization sacrifices the between PHMSA and industry stake- win for both sides of the aisle and for progress made to improve safety and holders, harnesses the power of Ameri- America. At the end of the day, Congress streamline regulations. can ingenuity and innovation to enhance is responsible for overseeing industry

By Rep. Rick Crawford

n September, the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines Enhancing Safety, or PIPES Act of 2016, expired, meaning that the Pipelines and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) is now operating on lapsed authorities. IWhile largely unknown by the general public, PHMSA is responsible for regulating the most comprehensive net- mes i work of pipelines in the world. Without pipelines, America would lose its most on T cost-effective, efficient and safest means gt

n of delivering energy products. hi Without a proper Congressional authorization and utilizing this oppor- e Was

h tunity to improve safety policies, we are

o T handicapping PHMSA’s ability to protect

t those pipelines and, more importantly, the public. For the past two reauthorization cycles in 2011 and 2016, the House Trans-

upplemen portation and Infrastructure Committee

g S — under Republican leadership — has n i

s passed bipartisan reauthorizations. Throughout the summer, I worked with ON TI MES

tidver illustration by greg groesch al A

i Without pipelines, AS HI N GT One of my top priorities for the safety, reduces regulatory burdens and and fostering an environment that al-

pec America would lose its PHMSA reauthorization remains codify- above all else makes the system safer. lows for the delivery of energy products A S TH E W most cost-effective,

| ing industry standards allowing for a The T&I Committee is the primary as safely, quickly and efficiently as pos- efficient and safest third operational status of “idle” to be committee of jurisdiction in the House sible — and not playing partisan games means of delivering added to PHMSA’s existing standards of of Representatives for PHMSA, but the to score political points. The question energy products. “active” and “abandoned” pipelines. This House Energy and Commerce (E&C) is whether or not our Democratic col- would allow pipeline operators to better Committee has oversight over pipelines leagues will put the American public’s maintain out-of-demand lines, leading to as well. E&C may very well pass legisla- safety first and come back to the table both sides of the Committee and indus- a safer, more efficient and more market- tion concerning pipeline workforce and and work with us. try stakeholders to develop a bipartisan responsive energy distribution network. environmental concerns, but T&I is the bill. Unfortunately, following the August We also support an innovative primary committee that should be reau- Rep. Rick Crawford, Arkansas Republi- recess, we were told by the Majority that technology pilot program approach thorizing PHMSA. E&C has also been can, serves on the House Transportation the bill we had negotiated was being that would ensure American energy working on a bill in a partisan manner and Infrastructure Committee where he placed “on hold.” Now, two months later companies remain competitive interna- — and I have been unimpressed with is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee and after the authorization has lapsed, tionally while improving safety. Sadly, what I have seen. The House T&I and on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazard-

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday that bill is still on hold. both of these bipartisan provisions E&C Committees should be working in ous Materials; the House Committee Congress has an opportunity to im- have been thrown out in the name of a bipartisan way, as we have done in the on Agriculture; and House Permanent 22 prove the way we regulate pipelines. The satiating environmental “keep it in past, to pass legislation to conference Select Committee on Intelligence. Critical mining, electrical infrastructure needed to meet growing energy demand

It is important to consider what it distribution can prevent flaring and China for 20 different critical miner- takes to build new transmission. I pres- methane emissions while providing als, including several highlighted by the

ent a case from my state, the SunZia clean natural gas for markets and indus- Department of Defense. This irrational A S overreliance threatens our national se- Southwest Transmission Project, which trial use. In addition, new pipelines for A pecial curity by imperiling our ability to make equipment and weapons essential to

Pipelines in America are also facing massive obstacles mission success. S dvertising since their construction and operation will be critical But it isn’t just a lack of rare earths to a cleaner future. The prompt approval of pipelines mining that threaten our security — it is our complete position on domestic min- for methane capture and distribution can prevent ing as seen in the Rosemont Mine and

flaring and methane emissions while providing Resolution Copper projects in Arizona, toupplement T clean natural gas for markets and industrial use. Twin Metals in Minnesota, and numer- ous projects across Alaska, Wyoming and Nevada. consists of 520 miles of two single- carbon capture and reuse will provide Our nation needs more copper, zinc, circuit 500 kV transmission lines to con- us new opportunities for both carbon lithium and cobalt to achieve a cleaner THE WASHINGTON TIMES By Rep. Paul Gosar D.D.S. nect and deliver electricity generated in sequestration and enhanced oil recovery. energy future. We need more helium he Washington T Arizona and New Mexico to population In the end, NEPA has made it nearly for manufacturing and medical devices. s America looks to power- centers in the Desert Southwest. impossible to build massive new proj- Yet, the domestic permitting process for ing our future, there is This project was built specifically to ects in the United States in a timely these projects is measured in hundreds no question our nation meet the demand for renewable energy fashion. While well-intentioned, NEPA of millions of dollars in costs stretched will need to build more from populations further West. How- is fundamentally broken and must be out over years and even decades.

electricity generation and ever, in order to build these lines, the reformed. We have proposed reforms If we want a more reliable electric imes transmission. To meet this Bureau of Land Management, along with but are steadfastly rebuked by activists future, we will need these minerals and | demand, we will need more critical min- 14 cooperating agencies, led the effort to and radicals who believe that any change reliable energy infrastructure. If we Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 eralsA and open new land access for the comply with the National Environmen- will result in damage to the environ- want that to happen in a timely fashion minerals and transmission capacity. This tal Policy Act (NEPA). ment. Yet, our inability to act forces — so projects can get “shovel ready” — reality presents us with many challenges That permitting process started in development overseas — and children we need to reform NEPA to return it to — but even more opportunities to thrive 2008 and was finally completed after mining cobalt in Africa aren’t doing it in a project approval process, not a project in the future. a six-and-a-half-year effort. In other a NEPA-compliant mine nor under U.S. rejection and lawsuits process. Everything from smartphones to words, a single transmission line, ser- labor protections. electric cars will increase our domestic vicing only renewable energy, needed Finally, a cleaner energy future is Rep. Paul Gosar, D.D.S., Arizona Re- demand for electricity. Recent efforts by nearly seven years of environmental only possible with an abundant supply publican, is the Ranking Member on cities and states to ban household use review under NEPA. of critical minerals. We have allowed our the House Committee on Natural Re- of natural gas will only exacerbate the But it isn’t just transmission that’s domestic rare earth mines to be closed, sources Subcommittee on Energy and demand for electricity. That growing at issue. Pipelines in America are also shredding our domestic security by forc- Mineral Resources and serves on the demand puts increased pressure on our facing massive obstacles since their con- ing our industrial and defense apparatus House Committee on Oversight and need for new transmission capacity and struction and operation will be critical to depend on foreign powers for these Reform. He is also Chairman of the the challenges of building these massive to a cleaner future. The prompt approval crucial materials. Congressional Western Caucus. new energy projects. of pipelines for methane capture and Currently, the United States relies on 23 Transportation: A lifeline to the vitality of communities around the nation

ought to invest in modernizing our tran- best of what has worked successfully Not only must we develop a pipeline of sit systems. Improved technology and and elevate these policies to the federal workers for 21st century infrastructure innovative business models will help level by incentivizing other localities to projects, but we must also focus our transit providers and municipal agen- implement similar strategies. training and hiring efforts in com- cies provide greater and better mobil- We should also employ strategies in munities that have been historically ity options while reducing capital and the transportation sector that contrib- left behind when these projects hit the operating costs. We should explore ap- ute toward carbon emissions reduction ground. I strongly believe that if we proaches, perhaps through a dedicated goals. Not only should we put forth more invest in training in diverse communities program, to provide transit agencies and policies that uphold America’s com- and promote policies that make projects municipal governments with funding to mitment to the Paris Climate Accord, accessible to a more diverse array of integrate innovation and high-perform- but we can also improve public health participants, we can create a cycle of ing transit services into their systems. through the reduction of other pollut- success that will redound to the benefit Another important way to truly ing emissions by investing in transit and of generations to come. impact federal surface transportation alternative modes of transportation in The federal government has al- programs is by increasing the focus an effort to fight congestion. Some of the ways exercised an important role in of investment in alternative forms of most heavily trafficked and highly con- the movement of people and goods transportation and encouraging states gested areas, often populated by com- throughout our vast nation. Over the By Rep. Adriano Espaillat and localities to consider the needs of munities of color, are also experiencing course of our history, we rose to new s Congress prepares to all users. high rates of asthma and other public generational challenges, from the consider the needs of America’s transportation infrastructure, we cannot afford to underinvest in transit, nor can we ignore the need to rethink wholesale how ourA transportation network should be designed in order to compete in the 21st century. Mass transit is one of the most important areas in need of investment, not mes i just in New York, which I am proud to represent in Congress, but throughout on T America. gt

n Regional and local public transpor- hi tation systems are critical economic drivers. They provide communities with e Was

h access to jobs, education and training

o T opportunities and services as well as

t reduce our collective carbon footprint completion of the Erie Canal to the con- by taking cars off the road. An urban congestion program should focus on struction of the Interstate Highway Sys- Transit also facilitates growth for providing resources for local governments to tem. As the needs of our infrastructure local businesses. According to the Amer- integrate technology into the transportation system for the 21st century become apparent, upplemen ican Public Transportation Association, be it basic investment and construction

g S each dollar invested in public transpor- and reduce bottlenecks that cause gridlock. to modernization and holistic redesign, n i

s tation creates four dollars in economic the federal government must step up to returns, from job creation to increased First, we should ensure states are health issues directly related to high ensure Americans’ success. ON TI MES business sales. collecting and reporting necessary data emissions and poor air quality. What’s tidver While the majority of this invest- on vulnerable users as well as safety more, congestion contradicts the very First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. al A

i ment occurs at the state and local levels, incident hotspots. economic interest that the transporta- Adriano Espaillat serves on the House AS HI N GT the federal government provides key Next, we must hold states account- tion system should inspire. I encourage Committee on Transportation and Infra- pec support that helps get needed projects able by requiring them to target their my congressional colleagues to address structure, where he is the only member A S TH E W

| off the ground. Programs like the Bet- safety dollars to these problem areas. these challenges within their respec- representing New York City, home to the ter Utilizing Investments to Leverage Congress should empower local gov- tive communities and urban centers by nation’s largest transit system. Rep. Es- Development (BUILD) Transportation ernments to take a holistic approach creating programs specifically designed paillat also serves on the House Foreign Discretionary Grant program, the Capi- when redesigning local streets. The to fight congestion. An urban conges- Affairs Committee and the House Small tal Investment Grant program’s New end goal cannot be simply improved tion program should focus on provid- Business Committee. He is a Senior Whip Starts, Small Starts and Core Capacity traffic flow for vehicles; it must also ing resources for local governments to of the House Democratic Caucus and is grants and others accelerate community- focus on the ability of all users to take integrate technology into the transpor- a member of the Congressional Hispanic changing projects in rural, suburban and full advantage of our streets without tation system and reduce bottlenecks Caucus (CHC) where he also serves in urban areas alike — such as the Second fear for their safety. that cause gridlock. Robust investment a leadership role as CHC Whip. He is Avenue Subway project in my district. Initiatives like Vision Zero, which should be tied to performance-based also chairman of the CHC Task Force for As we reauthorize federal surface trans- have been implemented in New York planning that looks at implementing Transportation, Infrastructure and Hous- portation programs, we must not only City and in urban areas around the cost-effective solutions. ing. Rep. Espaillat’s Congressional District invest more in these key initiatives but country, have fostered the development Finally, but of course no less impor- includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday also seek to build upon and duplicate of creative solutions to improving safety tant, is the need to use infrastructure Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To their success. and enhancing user access. It remains investment as a job-generating oppor- find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit 24 Furthermore, our federal government critical that we find ways to take the tunity for underserved communities. online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Grand Coulee Dam. Addressing infrastructure means investing in water

infrastructure can have dire conse- much-needed water infrastructure provi- aims to improve the structural integrity A S quences for our way of life. of our nation’s dams, and it is vital for sions in any forthcoming infrastructure A pecial In the Pacific Northwest, hydropower package. Regions across the country — ensuring all BOR dams continue to oper- dams generate clean, renewable energy including Central Washington — are fac- ate safely and efficiently. The legislation

to supplement our all-of-the-above ing severe hydrological challenges, from increases the program’s authorization cap S dvertising energy portfolio. In addition to a myriad accessing clean drinking water to critical to meet BOR’s projected funding needs of other benefits, we rely on dams of all water storage and delivery projects that for the future workload. sizes to deliver what little water we have fuel our rural communities and agricul- Finally, the bill creates a pilot pro- to municipalities and to growers and ture industries. gram to give more flexibility to reservoir

producers in one of the country’s most Needless to say, as we continue to operators. Communities across the West toupplement T diverse agricultural regions. watch our nation’s water infrastructure know the impacts of droughts all too The Grand Coulee Dam, located in crumble, there is strong bipartisan sup- well, and this legislation allows operators Washington’s 4th Congressional District, port to provide a solution. to temporarily store water in dedicated is operated by the Bureau of Reclamation We have not yet seen a comprehensive flood control space during certain low- (BOR) and remains the largest power- package from the House Transportation risk times of the year. THE WASHINGTON TIMES producing hydroelectric dam in the and Infrastructure Committee, but that The Water Supply Infrastructure he Washington T country. Reservoirs from Grand Coulee does not mean we haven’t made progress. Revitalization and Utilization Act is a By Rep. Dan Newhouse serve as the backbone of the Columbia I introduced the Water Supply Infra- strong step forward, but it is just a step. Basin Project, a BOR project first autho- structure Revitalization and Utilization Congress must invest in our nation’s in- hen many Americans rized in 1943 that supplies irrigation to Act to address the BOR maintenance frastructure, and as we consider ways to hear “infrastructure,” 10,000 farms throughout the Columbia backlog at water supply infrastructure improve and modernize failing and out-

they think of roads Basin and greatly contributes to flood projects and empower local water op- dated structures across the country, we imes and bridges. In Cen- control and navigation of our rivers. erators to improve and update existing cannot forget about the water infrastruc- |

tral Washington, we The third phase of the Yakima Proj- infrastructure projects. ture our rural communities and agricul- Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019 think of water. ect, which was authorized in the lands The bill helps water managers access ture industries rely on. I will continue to Unlike western Washington with its package signed into law earlier this year, funds and provides the flexibility they work with my colleagues to maintain and Wrecord-breaking rainfall, we boast more aims to better serve the needs of Central need to repair and rebuild aging BOR strengthen water infrastructure in Cen- than 300 days of sunshine east of the Washington’s agricultural community, facilities across the country, ensuring tral Washington and across the country. Cascades Mountains, which results in a conservationists and local communities our existing surface storage facilities are dry, arid climate and — more often than by improving delivery of our region’s operating as efficiently as possible. By Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican, not — drought. most precious resource: water. creating a revolving Aging Infrastructure represents Washington’s 4th Congres- Water storage, delivery and conserva- Without investment, these projects Account and a clearly defined application sional District. He serves on the House tion are at the forefront of our minds, and will fail, and life as we know it in my con- and review process, local water users Appropriations Committee, including our federal water infrastructure, from gressional district and in many commu- can initiate maintenance projects with the Subcommittee on Energy and Water hydroelectric dams to irrigation canals, nities across the West will cease to exist. extended repayment. Development. He is a third-generation needs attention. Much of our water In May, I led a letter with Califor- Like much of our nation’s crumbling Yakima Valley farmer and previously infrastructure has not been improved or nia Democrat Rep. Jim Costa, signed infrastructure, aging dam infrastruc- served as the Director of Washington updated for decades — some as long as by more than 50 of our colleagues ture requires regular maintenance and State’s Department of Agriculture. a century — and crumbling, outdated in Congress, urging the inclusion of upkeep. The “Safety of Dams” program 25 Infrastructure investments will unleash America’s full economic potential

possible. Investing in these assets sup- width and depth of our waterways During the 115th Congress, we ports existing businesses and drives dictate what size ships can access advanced small wins on infrastructure, new economic development. Expanded Louisiana’s ports, how heavy of a cargo including the Water Resources De- capacity for trade and commerce load can be sustained, and how many velopment Act (WRDA) and the FAA means new jobs, increased revenues ships can access these ports at a given Reauthorization Act. These measures and stronger GDP growth. time. Current investments in dredging help advance the mission, but Congress To put this in perspective, we can have allowed Louisiana to maintain must do more to prioritize bipartisan look to my home state. Louisiana has minimum standards for our waterways, gains on infrastructure. five of the top 15 ports in the United although with increased investment we President Trump has called for States. Each serves as a heartbeat of would see larger ships, increased load meaningful infrastructure invest- economic activity for their surround- capacity and greater federal revenue. ments and reforms to the regulatory ing community. These ports are criti- This is an example of our untapped and permitting process. My office is cal for farmers and energy producers economic potential. The same is true supportive of efforts to streamline and looking to conduct domestic and global nationwide where outdated and deteri- eliminate many of the barriers delay- trade. Louisiana’s maritime industry orating infrastructure has constrained ing new projects. However, Congress generates billions in annual federal growth. To realize America’s full eco- hasn’t acted upon these proposals. revenues and supports over 100,000 nomic potential, we must make strate- We should not allow bipartisan By Rep. Clay Higgins direct and indirect jobs. In my district gic investments in our roads, bridges, progress on infrastructure to fall alone, there are over $120 billion in an- railways, airfields and waterways. We victim to the partisan impeachment merica is currently in nounced and ongoing projects reliant must also take steps to reduce bureau- inquiry that is ongoing in the House the midst of historic upon local ports. cratic obstacles that have unnecessar- of Representatives. Across America, economic growth. The However, the success of these ports ily delayed new infrastructure projects. there are infrastructure assets in great strength of the U.S. and the realization of new industrial Throughout our history, America has need of repair and replacement. Doing economy is undeniable as projects are directly tied to the condi- been a nation of builders. We should so will build upon our current eco- GDP, job creation and un- tion of maritime infrastructure. The embrace that heritage once again. nomic success, serve as a catalyst for employment figures continue to exceed new growth and benefit the lives of allA expectations. hardworking American families. This While these economic indicators During the 115th Congress, we advanced small should be a top priority for Congress. are promising, we can still do more to wins on infrastructure, including the Water If we do what is necessary, every better our economy. Unleashing the American will continue to win.

mes Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the i full potential of America’s businesses requires strategic investments in FAA Reauthorization Act. These measures help Rep. Clay Higgins, Louisiana Republican, on T infrastructure. advance the mission, but Congress must do more serves on the House Homeland Security gt

n Since President Trump was elected, Committee and the House Oversight and

hi to prioritize bipartisan gains on infrastructure. he’s worked to implement a pro- Reform Committee. growth, America First agenda. Those e Was

h efforts have ignited our economy.

o T We’ve seen record low unemployment,

t steady wage growth and the creation of nearly 7 million jobs over the past three years. Americans are winning under this economy, and optimism is

upplemen nearing an all-time high.

g S This growth is being fueled by gen- n i

s erational tax cuts and regulatory reform, which we battled for and passed ON TI MES during the 115th Congress. These poli- tidver cies created an economic environment al A

i that allowed businesses of all sizes to AS HI N GT thrive, encouraging job creation and pec new investment. More significantly, A S TH E W

| it allowed Americans to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. The result is greater buying power, investment potential and confidence from American businesses and families. Every American can recognize these successes. However, we should not grow complacent. America can take our economy to the next level with investments in safe, modern and reliable infrastructure. Our roads, bridges, airfields, railways and water management systems are foundational elements of

ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday our economy. Without robust infrastructure systems, interstate commerce 26 and international trade would not be The Port of New Orleans and Crescent City Connection bridges. Soo Locks design, channel deepening plans underway A new 1,000-foot lock to join the vital Great Lakes complex

broadband deployment to the reha- Trump came to Michigan in April of for the beginning work of building a bilitation of our roads and bridges, our 2018 for a rally, I had the opportunity, new lock. We’ve again requested funds communities want to see infrastructure along with Reps. John Moolenaar and for the lock project be included in the improvements that will impact their day- Paul Mitchell, to ride in “the Beast” for FY2021 budget. Our incredible partners to-day lives. However, the Soo Locks, the 30-minute drive between Selfridge at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers situated on the St. Mary’s River, are Air National Guard Base and the rally have begun the initial stages of design, arguably the most significant, yet most location. During that time, we were and the upstream channel deepening vulnerable, infrastructure assets in the able to convey to President Trump the portion of the project is in the works. United States. A single point of failure importance of building a new 1,000-foot This summer, I also boarded the in a multibillion-dollar supply chain, the lock at the Soo Locks complex. He took freighter M/V Roger Blough in Duluth, Locks are not only an economic risk but notes, he listened, and in the next hour Minnesota, and enjoyed the journey a national security risk as well. he would make headlines throughout across Lake Superior to the Soo Locks With over 80 million tons of cargo the state of Michigan and the country. with my friend and colleague Rep. Pete and nearly 100 percent of the nation’s For the first time in 30 years, a president Stauber. This opportunity allowed us to iron ore annually traversing the 21-foot of the United States vowed his support experience firsthand the work accom- plished by the freighter crews, to garner a new perspective of the Great Lakes By Rep. Jack Bergman What was once described to me as a pipe dream shipping industry and further grasp the is now becoming a reality. While there’s a lot gravity of the situation if the Soo Locks hen I came to left to accomplish before we take a victory lap were to fail. Congress in January What was once described to me as a of 2017, I made the or celebrate the completion of this project, this pipe dream is now becoming a reality. construction of a unprecedented progress is a great investment While there’s a lot left to accomplish new lock in Sault Ste. in our nation’s critical infrastructure. before we take a victory lap or cel- Marie, Michigan, a ebrate the completion of this project, top priority. Like many things in Wash- this unprecedented progress is a great Wington, this goal didn’t come without elevation change between Lake Huron to build a new lock. In a way that only investment in our nation’s critical its significant challenges and obstacles and Lake Superior, an unexpected the president could, Mr. Trump stated, infrastructure. — politicians dating back to the 1980s closure of the Poe Lock would plummet “The Soo Locks are going to hell. We’re

have been promising to address this our nation into an economic recession. gonna get them fixed up.” This was a Rep. John “Jack” Bergman, Michigan A S infrastructure need. Bureaucratic red In the almost three years since momentous occasion for our state, and Republican, served in the U.S. Marine A pecial tape coupled with political inaction had taking office, a new lock is becoming the momentum has only grown since Corps for 40 years, retiring with the rank stalled this critical infrastructure and a reality, and much of that success is this point. of Lieutenant General. He is a member of

national security need for decades. due to the hard work and coordination Following a letter led by myself and the House Armed Services Committee and S dvertising In the 21st century, our nation’s between the House, the Senate and signed by 30 of my colleagues, the Pres- the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. infrastructure needs vary greatly. From the Administration. When President ident’s Budget included $75.3 million toupplement T THE WASHINGTON TIMES he Washington T imes | Wednesday • N ovember 20 • 2019

A ship navigates the Soo Locks between Lake Superior and Lake Huron on the St. Mary’s River on United States (Michigan) and Canadian border. Image courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Detroit District. 27 Electric transportation is a win for our communities, the economy, mes i and the environment. on T gt n Electric vehicle (EV) tax credits help spur investments in domestic manufacturing and drive hi EV sales, while reducing costs for consumers. These tax credits have helped position the e Was

h United States as a leader in advancing and adopting electric transportation. o T

t While the EV market is growing, challenges remain. The EV tax credits are still needed to help newer technologies achieve scale and to become more cost-competitive.

upplemen The Driving America Forward Act (S. 1094/H.R. 2256) expands the existing EV tax credits. g S n i It also ensures that the EV market will continue to grow and that the United States will s continue to be a leader in transportation innovation and electriﬁcation. ON TI MES tidver al A i

AS HI N GT Let’s work together to build a strong market for electric transportation. pec A S TH E W

| Pass the Driving America Forward Act! ovember 20 • 2019 • N ovember Wednesday 28