Moving America Forward — Land, Water and Air

INFRASTRUCTURE 2018 Moving America Forward — Land, Water and Air

Spending Priorities • Financing • Deregulation

A Special Report Prepared By e Washington Times Special Sections Department “We will build gleaming new roads, bridges, highways, railways, and waterways all across our land. And we will do it with American heart, and American hands, and American grit.” — President Donald Trump, Feb. 12, 2018.

Infrastructure 2018: Moving America Forward — Land, Water and Air

Disputes over spending, permitting dog infrastructure plan ...... 3 5 principles for infrastructure success ...... 18 S.A. Miller Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts ‘Job creation, more job creation, and even more job creation’ ...... 3 Fixing U.S. infrastructure requires end of ‘permitting purgatory’ ...... 19 Washington Times Special Sections Department Sen. Dan Sullivan It’s time to invest in our country’s future ...... 4 A 21st century trust fund for a modernized infrastructure ...... 20 Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Rep. Sam Graves Making a historic investment in public lands infrastructure ...... 5 Fix what we drive on to drive our economy ...... 20 Interior Secretary Ryan K. Zinke Rep. Robin Kelly Infrastructure projects to advance swiftly —and safely — Infrastructure initiatives without revenue unrealistic ...... 21 under new EPA permitting rules ...... 6 Rep. Michael E. Capuano EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Energy infrastructure: Ensuring reliability, resiliency ...... 22 Buy America is commonsense economics ...... 7 Rep. Greg Walden

TMENT Scott Paul A lesson in bipartisanship: Starting small on infrastructure to go big ...... 22 AR Fixing America’s infrastructure: The road forward ...... 8 Rep. Rob Bishop Sen. John Barrasso, M.D. Water infrastructure expansion requires regulatory reform ...... 23 To unleash American building, cut the red tape ...... 8 Rep. Doug Lamborn c tionS D EP Sen. James Inhofe VIDA: Imperative for maritime commerce ...... 24 Smarter solutions needed to jump-start infrastructure projects ...... 9 Thomas A. Allegretti c i a l Se Sen. Tom Carper Century-old locks and dams require urgent upgrades ...... 26 A major stumbling block for energy infrastructure: Rep. Rodney Davis Activism from the bench ...... 10 The insolvency of inland waterways ...... 27 Craig Stevens Howard P. “Buck” McKeon Infrastructure is not a Republican or Democratic issue — Broadband: The infrastructure challenge of our generation ...... 28 it’s an American issue ...... 12 Sen. Amy Klobuchar Rep. Bill Shuster INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON A blueprint for strategic infrastructure investment ...... 28 3 ways to fix permitting pitfalls...... 12 Norman Anderson Rep. Jeff Denham Y T H E W Putting rural Americans first ...... 29 It’s time for real investment in our nation’s infrastructure ...... 13 Rep. Marsha Blackburn Rep. Peter DeFazio AR E D B Infrastructure needs are not limited to the ground ...... 30 Turning innovation into action: Maryland’s Traffic Relief Plan ...... 14 Rep. Rick Wilson

T P R EP Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Time to rethink how we fund highways ...... 30 PA investing heavily in infrastructure; where are federal commitments? ...... 15 Dr. Robert Krol Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf

INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON America’s counties build infrastructure ...... 31 C I A L R EPO Transit leaders reject funding cuts, Matthew Chase urge Congress to increase investments in public transit ...... 16 A S PE T H E W

American Public Transportation Association |

Cheryl Wetzstein Larry T. Beasley David Dadisman Patrick Crofoot Special SectionS Manager preSident and ceo general Manager graphicS SuperviSor

Advertising Department: Thomas P. McDevitt Tony Hill 202-636-3062 chairMan advertiSing director, digital/diSplay SaleS 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 advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events, such as The Power of Prayer, North Korea’s Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday Nuclear Threat, Gun Rights Policy Conference and Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections areprepared separately 2 SPECIAL SECTIONS and without involvement from the Times’ newsroom and editorial staff. Disputes over spending, permitting dog infrastructure plan

By S. A. Miller investment of $1.5 trillion over 10 years. many projects and jobs behind,” said Larry overlooked by Washington. The Washington Times “The president’s plan calls for $200 I. Willis, president of the Transportation The plan sets four goals: billion but has no clear way to pay for Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. • Stimulate $1.5 trillion of new massive infrastructure plan is it,” said Mr. Nelson. “At the same time, Mr. Trump is undaunted, convinced investment in infrastructure. hung up in Congress on age- the administration’s budget cuts critical that the appeal of rebuilding American • Shorten the permitting process to old disputes over spending infrastructure programs. We can’t cut our infrastructure will be enough to attract two years. and environmental regula- way to prosperity.” rare bipartisan support in Congress. • Target invest in rural infrastructure tions, but President Trump is He echoed criticism of the vast major- “Even though there is skepticism out such as broadband internet service hitting the road this spring to ity of Capitol Hill Democrats, who want there that such a big piece of legislation with $50 billion in block grants to drum up public support to force lawmak- $1 trillion of direct federal spending to can get done in such a short period of states. ersA to get onboard. rebuild American’s crumbing highways, time, we are expecting movement and are • Improve workforce training, Mr. Trump’s plan seeks to overhaul the bridges and airports. encouraged by the progress that’s been including expanding Pell Grant way infrastructure projects are funded and Democrats balked at Mr. Trump’s plan made so far,” said a White House official. eligibility to students pursuing approved, providing new financing options to cut regulations, including environmen- “With 11 committees of jurisdiction in both certification or credentials for to states and cutting red tape that drives up tal regulations, to streamline the Byzantine the House and Senate, the wide scope of in-demand fields. costs. But that challenged business as usual federal approval process. the president’s infrastructure initiative Mr. Trump made a pitch for bipartisan in Washington, and the proposal soon hit The president promised it would speed means that the cadence will be different support in the State of the Union address roadblocks in Congress. up approvals — that now can take a decade than with tax reform, but the process has in January: “I am asking both parties to “We can’t toll our way out of this prob- — to two years. been moving smoothly and as expected.” come together to give us the safe, fast, lem,” Sen. Bill Nelson, the ranking member The Center for American Progress, The president will travel the coun- reliable, and modern infrastructure our on the Senate Commerce, Science and a liberal Washington think tank, called try to rally support and put pressure on economy needs and our people deserve. Transportation Committee, said at recent the plan a “scam” that will be paid for by lawmakers. He will highlight desperately Together, we can reclaim our building hearing on the proposal. slashing social programs, shifting billions needed infrastructure across the country heritage. We will build gleaming new The Florida Democrat was ripping Mr. of dollars in costs to states and cities, and and visit places where state and local roads, bridges, highways, railways, and Trump’s plan to use public-private partner- sidestepping public health and environ- governments have taken innovative steps waterways across our land. And we will do ships or P3s to finance some projects, one mental protections. to finance construction, showing the types it with American heart, American hands,

of several options to help state and local The proposal also met stiff resistance of projects he wants to enable, according and American grit.” A S PE governments pick up more of the tab. from Democrats’ union allies. to the White House. Only a handful of Democrats in the

With financing options and other in- “Devolving the federal government’s Mr. Trump’s plan also targets rural House chamber stood to applaud. C I A L R EPO centives, Mr. Trump wants $200 billion funding responsibility to cash-strapped infrastructure needs, including broad- in federal spending to leverage a total states and municipalities will leave too band internet service, that have long been T P R EP

‘Job creation, more job creation, and even more job creation’ AR E D B Y T H E W

By The Washington Times Andrew Liveris, President, Chair- Special Sections Department

man and CEO, The Dow Chemical Co. INGTONASH TIME S Spe Apprenticeships — on-the-job op- Katherine Lugar, President and portunities for people to be paid while CEO, American Hotel and Lodging gaining relevant workplace experience Association and skill-set instruction — are believed Douglas McCarron, General Presi- to hold the key to filling some 350,000 dent, United Brotherhood of Carpen- open manufacturing jobs and an antici- ters and Joiners of America pated surge of millions of new U.S. jobs, Sean McGarvey, President, North including many in infrastructure sectors. America’s Building Trades Unions c i a l Se On June 15, 2017, President Trump is- Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, sued an executive order to promote U.S. National Urban League THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP apprenticeships. The order called for John Dezso Ratzenberger, Actor and the creation of a blue-ribbon advisory Entertainer panel to make recommendations on adviser and Mr. Trump’s daughter, is also Michael Bellaman, President and CEO, Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa how to start, build and promote success- heavily involved in the task force’s efforts. Associated Builders and Contractors Mark B. Rosenberg, President, Board AR

ful apprenticeship programs that can At the panel’s first meeting on Nov. Joshua Bolten, President and CEO, of Directors, Association of Public and TMENT graduate new workers with hands-on 13, 2017, according to a Department of Business Roundtable Land-Grant Universities job experience and industry-recognized Labor report, Mr. Acosta, the task force Walter G. Bumphus, President and Joseph Sellers, General President, | credentials. chairman, said Mr. Trump’s priority with CEO, American Association of Com- International Association of Sheet Metal, Thursday • March 22 • 2018 The administration’s FY 2019 budget respect to labor is “job creation, more job munity Colleges Air, Rail and Transportation Workers calls for $200 million for apprenticeship creation, and even more job creation.” Wesley G. Bush, Chairman, CEO and Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO, programs, “doubling last year’s budget Mrs. DeVos, task force vice chairman, President, Northrop Grumman Corp. National Restaurant Association request,” Mick Mulvaney, director of stressed the value of “earn and learn” Dennis Daugaard, Governor of South Jay Timmons, President and CEO, the Office of Management and Budget, opportunities, while Mr. Ross, also task Dakota National Association of Manufacturers told a Feb. 13 Senate Budget Committee force vice chairman, said apprenticeships Emily DeRocco, CEO, E3 Engage Edu- hearing. can be an “ideal solution” to address cate Employ Three cabinet officials — Labor Secre- specific skill shortages and to help small Cari M. Dominguez, Principal, tary Alexander Acosta, Education Secre- businesses find qualified job applicants. Dominguez & Associates tary Betsy DeVos and Commerce Secre- The following business, academic, Thomas J. Donohue, President and tary Wilbur Ross — lead the President’s industry, nonprofit, labor and political CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. leaders are part of the task force, which Montez King, Executive Director, Na- Ivanka Trump, a White House senior last met on March 15. tional Institute for Metalworking Skills 3 It’s time to invest in our country’s future

unnecessary and overly burdensome DOT recognizes that different regions timely improvements that will better regulations. As a former Labor Secre- require different solutions. But private- protect the environment and improve tary, I’m especially pleased that help- sector investment in public infrastruc- our quality of life. ing workers access the skills needed ture is currently allowed in some form Infrastructure has always garnered to build these new projects is part of in 35 states and should be encouraged bipartisan support. It’s time to use this plan. where appropriate. that positive asset to get moving on an In addition, a key element of the proposal is to empower decision-making at the state and local level because these communities know best their DOT is working together with other cabinet infrastructure needs. departments on a new process to handle the Some third-party estimates put permitting of complicated, multi-agency projects our country’s infrastructure needs at within the president’s new, expedited timeline. as much as $4 trillion in investment. We cannot address a challenge of this This means less paperwork, and more timely magnitude with federal resources improvements that will better protect the alone, or by borrowing. That ap- environment and improve our quality of life. By Transportation Secretary proach will crowd out the capital Elaine L. Chao markets, hindering economic growth and job creation, and hurting working The DOT is already making infrastructure package that ensures ast week I joined four other families. So President Trump’s plan progress in reducing the red tape our country retains its competitive ad- members of President allows the private sector to invest in that is holding back so much of our vantage and continues to create good Trump’s cabinet to present infrastructure. country’s infrastructure. It is vigor- jobs for America’s workers. to the Congress this admin- Endowments and pension funds, for ously implementing the president’s istration’s comprehensive example, have demand for conserva- “One Federal Decision” initiative that Secretary Elaine L. Chao is currently proposal to rebuild and tive investments like public infrastruc- was announced last August. DOT is the U. S. Secretary of Transporta- revitalize America’s infrastructure for ture, which have collateral that will working together with other cabinet tion. She served as U.S. Secretary of years to come. not walk away. In addition, the private departments on a new process to Labor from 2001-January 2009, and TMENT L Our nation’s infrastructure is the sector helps allocate risk. In a well- handle the permitting of complicated, is the first Asian-American woman AR backbone of our world-class economy structured deal, if a project is unsuc- multi-agency projects within the to be appointed to the President’s — the most productive, flexible and cessful, the private sector bears the president’s new, expedited timeline. cabinet in American history. dynamic in the world. It is a key factor first loss instead of the taxpayers. The This means less paperwork, and more in productivity and economic growth, c tionS D EP creating jobs and opportunity for hard-working families. c i a l Se But too much of our country’s infrastructure is aging and in need of repair. The challenges are everywhere. Traffic congestion and delays cost drivers nearly $160 billion annually. About one-quarter of our nation’s bridges are in need of improvement. More than 20 percent of our roads are INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON in poor condition. And the transportation needs of

Y T H E W rural America, which account for a disproportionately high percentage of our nation’s highway fatalities, have AR E D B been ignored for too long. That’s why 12 agencies have been

T P R EP working with the White House to help develop an infrastructure framework, which President Trump announced as a priority in his 2018 State of the INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO Union address. Transportation is just one component. The initiative also A S PE T H E W

| includes, but is not limited to, drinking and wastewater, energy, broadband and veterans’ hospitals as well. The goal of the president’s proposal is to stimulate at least $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investment and includes a minimum of $200 billion in direct federal funding. The guiding principles are to: 1) use federal dollars as seed money to incentivize nonfederal infrastructure investment; 2) provide Five U.S. cabinet secretaries — (left to right) Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Labor Secretary

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday for the needs of rural communities; Alexander Acosta, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Energy Secretary Rick Perry — testified March 14 before the Senate 3) streamline permitting to speed Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the “Rebuilding Infrastructure in America: Administration Perspectives.” 4 up project delivery; and, 4) reduce Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture/Tom Witham. Making a historic investment in public lands infrastructure

recreation, much of it occurring on our public lands, accounted for 2.0 percent of the U.S. economy, or $373.7 billion, in 2016. Our National Park System is the envy of the world. In 2017, more than 330 million people visited them, support- ing local economies across the country. Having grown up next to Glacier National Park, I believe all Americans should have the opportunity to share in the majesty of our national parks. But without a significant investment in maintenance to go along with our record visitor totals, the visitor experience is in jeopardy. By Interior Secretary In 2017, the National Park Service’s Ryan K. Zinke backlog of deferred maintenance increased to $11.6 billion. At Grand orld-class infrastructure Canyon National Park, visitors receive Within our National Wildlife Refuge infrastructure investment at schools is the pride of a prosper- water from an obsolete pipeline that has System, a $1.2 billion maintenance located in isolated areas. As part of our

ous nation. America is broken more than 80 times since 2010, backlog is betraying our commitment push to rebuild our American infrastruc- A S PE the greatest country this to wildlife, to sportsmen and women, ture, we will fight to rebuild our BIE

world has ever known — and to conservation. Taking care of schools, which suffer from a $634 million C I A L R EPO Wshe deserves the greatest infrastructure. In 2017, the National our 566 wildlife refuges is a necessary maintenance backlog for education Unfortunately, our roads, bridges and Park Service’s backlog component of proper land stewardship facilities. tunnels have been neglected due to years of deferred maintenance and helps ensure that the American Rebuilding our parks, wildlife refuges of inaction. Our public lands have suffered public has continued opportunities to and BIE schools is not a Republican T P R EP a similar fate. As secretary of the Interior increased to $11.6 hunt, fish, bird and participate in other or Democrat issue — it’s an American

and chief steward of our public lands, I billion. At Grand Canyon outdoor recreation opportunities. Infra- issue. Having served in Congress, I know AR E D B inherited a maintenance backlog of more National Park, visitors structure investments in refuge roads, there are lawmakers from both sides of than $11 billion in our national parks alone. bridges and buildings improve visitor the aisle who share President Trump’s While leaders have said the right receive water from an services, improve water and habitat vision. Public land is “For the Benefit Y T H E W things on infrastructure in the past, obsolete pipeline that quality, and lead to healthier herds and and Enjoyment of the People,” as the

President Donald Trump is a man of ac- has broken more than flocks, making those enhanced opportu- Roosevelt Arch in Yellowstone National INGTONASH TIME S Spe tion. In his first year in office, he has kept 80 times since 2010. nities a real benefit to the public. Park so proudly proclaims. Together, we his promises to the American people Finally, as secretary of the Interior, will restore the American tradition of a by cutting taxes, nominating judges and forcing emergency rationing and costing I am responsible for the education of sturdy foundation, upon which we will slashing job-killing regulations. And millions of dollars to fix over and over 47,000 American Indian students. Native construct our shared future. with his proposed 2019 budget, the presi- again. At the Statue of Liberty National American kids deserve a world-class dent is again keeping another promise — Monument, $34.45 million is needed to education, and the Department needs to Ryan K. Zinke is the 52nd Secretary to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure. stabilize the Ellis Island Seawall, which live up to its treaty obligations. of the U.S. Department of the Inte-

President Trump is a builder, and as protects Ellis Island from erosion of Many schools are structurally un- rior. A fifth-generation Montanan c i a l Se the son of a plumber myself, I’m excited wave action. These are just some of sound, lack basic features like functional and former Member of Congress, Mr. to begin working with him on restoring many examples of the consequences doors and windows, or are infested Zinke is the first U.S. Navy SEAL of- THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP the greatness of America’s treasures. of our maintenance backlog across the with mold. This is heartbreaking and ficer to serve as a cabinet secretary. The president’s budget request for 2019 National Park System. unacceptable, as is the lack of modern includes a legislative proposal for a Public Lands Infrastructure Fund, which AR

would address the deferred-maintenance TMENT backlog by using funds generated from federal energy leasing and develop- | ment activities to invest up to $18 billion Thursday • March 22 • 2018 over 10 years in national parks, wildlife refuges and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools. Infrastructure is an investment in our nation. A recent study from the Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that for every dollar spent on construction, maintenance and repair contracts in the National Wildlife Refuge System, three times the economic activity is generated. According to the preliminary statistics by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor 5 Infrastructure projects to advance swiftly — and safely — under new EPA permitting rules

threshold that indicates when water management of water infrastructure. the North Texas Municipal Water Dis- systems must take actions to prevent First, it would expand project eligi- trict. At the time, they had been stuck harmful levels of contamination. bility under the Clean Water State in the various state and federal ap- We must act quickly and aggres- Revolving Fund — a federal and state proval processes for a new $1.2 billion sively to address these problems. The partnership that provides communities reservoir since 2003! That is unaccept- president’s plan will enable us to do with low-cost financing for water qual- able and we are committed to improv- just that — without raising federal ity infrastructure projects — to include ing and expediting these processes. taxes. more treatment facilities. Second, it On Jan. 26, EPA concluded its permit President Trump’s proposal calls would increase funding for the Water review and the U.S. Army Corps of for $200 billion in federal investment Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Engineers issued the final permit on to stimulate at least $1.5 trillion over 10 Act (WIFIA), a program that acceler- Feb. 2. The reservoir, which is antici- years in new infrastructure investment. ates investment in our nation’s water pated to be operational in 2022, will Unlike the previous administration, infrastructure through long-term, low- yield an estimated 70 million gallons which spent roughly $800 billion on cost supplemental loans. Finally, the of water a day and provide a massive its stimulus package with little to show president’s plan would expand WIFIA economic boost to the region due to for it, this plan will use federal dollars to allow for federal loan investment in new housing, hotels, restaurants and wisely to encourage states and local Brownfields and Superfund cleanup stores. It will be the first new reservoir By EPA Administrator communities to raise sustainable rev- projects that address water quality constructed in Texas in nearly 30 years. Scott Pruitt enue for infrastructure improvements. contamination. This story isn’t an outlier. Hundreds A portion of this funding will be EPA’s role is even broader than of billions of dollars in infrastructure resident Trump recently designated for competitive grants water infrastructure and cleaning up projects are currently stalled at various unveiled his plan to rebuild under EPA’s drinking water, wastewa- contaminated land — the agency also stages, preventing Americans from and revitalize our nation’s ter and stormwater programs, as well has a key role in allowing projects to reaping the benefits of improved infra- crumbling infrastructure. as Brownfields and Superfund — two move forward by reviewing environ- structure. That is also changing under Much attention has been programs dedicated to cleaning up and mental impact statements during the President Trump’s leadership. TMENT paid to rebuilding roads redeveloping contaminated lands. This permitting process. From subdivision The president’s proposal would AR and bridges, understandably so. Our funding will allow EPA to begin work development to skyscraper construc- make key permitting reforms that Proads and bridges form the essence of right away to repair our nation’s most tion, many state and federal agencies would allow American industry and interstate commerce in this country deteriorating water infrastructure and are involved in the permitting process. EPA to work efficiently and coopera- and have for some time. Yet, as the to restore hazardous waste sites that Currently, duplicative and cumber- tively to get new projects approved and c tionS D EP president indicated, our infrastructure may pose a threat to drinking water some regulations require multiple underway as quickly and as safely as is more than just roads and bridges — supplies. agencies to all sign off on one project, possible. Under the president’s “one c i a l Se it is also our water infrastructure. The president’s initiative would which can leave projects in bureau- agency, one decision” goal, EPA would The president’s ambitious proposal also make several reforms to promote cratic limbo for years. be responsible for issuing a single calls for the U.S. Environmental Protec- private investment in an improved In August, I met with officials with record of decision for a major project tion Agency (EPA) to play a leading under its jurisdiction within two years. role in the administration’s efforts. Streamlining permitting processes will Through important permitting reforms allow vital infrastructure projects to and localized investments and incen- move forward. tives, EPA would be an integral part of This combination of permitting and INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON initiating new projects and accelerat- financing reforms will incentivize the ing current endeavors to completion. free market to apply its genius to fixing

Y T H E W Our nation’s water systems are in America’s aging infrastructure — from dire need of repair. Roughly 700 water new roadways to updating crumbling main breaks occur across the United water systems. The federal government AR E D B States every day — over 200,000 an- should — and will — remain a part- nually. Not surprisingly, in 2017 the ner in infrastructure investments. But

T P R EP American Society of Civil Engineers states, local governments and industry gave our nation’s drinking water, know best how to meet the unique wastewater and hazardous waste infra- needs of their communities. structure “D” or “D+” grades. America’s infrastructure was once INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO Then there’s the problem of lead the envy of the world. The president’s in our drinking water. Lead poison- proposal will restore our roads, bridges A S PE T H E W

| ing is an insidious menace that robs and waterways to greatness and create our citizens of their fullest potential. a safer, stronger America. Through The contamination in Flint, Michigan, regulatory reforms and targeted invest- awakened much of the nation to the ments, EPA will spearhead the much- harms of lead in drinking water. needed repairs to infrastructure in a Yet, the problem is far more way that provides tangible environ- widespread than Flint. There are an mental benefits to all Americans. estimated 6.5 million to 10 million homes served by lead service lines in Scott Pruitt is the 14th administrator of thousands of communities nationwide. the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA’s most recent data shows that Prior to leading EPA, he enforced the rule

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday within the past three years more than of law as Attorney General for Oklahoma 2,400 water systems have had a lead and served eight years in the Oklahoma illustration by 6 action level exceedance — a screening linas garsys State Senate. Buy America is commonsense economics

more jobs in America. And more jobs that — a preference. If the American- United States has opened twice as much at home mean a bigger tax base and a made alternative costs too much or of its government procurements to for- smaller burden on the social safety net. if there isn’t enough of it, the prefer- eign firms than has the next five largest It’s commonsense economic policy, ence is waived. parties to the World Trade Organization but some claim otherwise. They argue • It doesn’t increase costs in the Government Procurement Agreement Buy America is a regulatory hassle, long term. For instance, the federal combined (the EU, Japan, South Korea, wasteful and discriminatory. government included a Buy America Norway and Canada) even though total Well, here are a few things Buy Amer- preference in the 2009 American Re- U.S. procurement is less. ica doesn’t do: covery and Reinvestment Act. A year It’s not always easy to do business

The regulatory burdens we’ve placed on U.S. manufacturers are not faced by their competitors across the globe. When we utilize taxpayer dollars to invest in public infrastructure, U.S. manufacturers deserve a commonsense preference for meeting — not avoiding — By Scott Paul these standards and for keeping jobs here in the United States.

et’s try an experiment. Head over to your next-door neigh- bor’s, knock on the door and ask them this question: Do you think infrastructure projects, paid for by the taxpayer, should use American-made goods

Lwhenever possible? A S PE Now, ask them another:

Would you want your tax dollars C I A L R EPO shipped to another country to buy goods if those goods are already made in America at a comparable price and

quality? T P R EP I bet you already know the answers

you’d get. But just in case you’re uncer- AR E D B tain, there are years of polling data that show what people think of these preferences for federal infrastructure spending Y T H E W — often called Buy America preferences.

The vast majority of us think they’re INGTONASH TIME S Spe a very good idea. The logic behind Buy America is straightforward and fair: Money spent on federal projects — or on massive infrastructure programs — should not go to firms overseas if cost-competitive and quality goods are available at home.

By guaranteeing that when our c i a l Se government repairs an old highway or builds a new bridge it looks to domestic THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP manufacturers first, these preferences promote homegrown economic activity. Buy America laws harmonize our Photo credit: New York State Thruway Authority. government procurement policies with AR

our regulatory policies. American manu- • It doesn’t apply to private commer- later, the Government Accountability here. There are high labor costs, envi- TMENT facturers must contend with the world’s cial transactions. We’re talking about Office (GAO) testified to Congress ronmental standards and a regulatory most strident regulatory regimes. But taxpayer-financed infrastructure that it found materials costs on the burden to consider. Yet in spite of that, |

U.S. environmental laws and regulations investment, after all. stimulus-funded projects were less the United States has some of the most Thursday • March 22 • 2018 and workplace safety mandates do not • Buy America laws do not apply to all than anticipated. competitive companies and productive have extraterritorial application. The federal-aid spending or to all spend- • And it doesn’t start trade wars. The workers in the world. Improved Buy regulatory burdens we’ve placed on U.S. ing on public works infrastructure. In general rule under international trade America rules for federal infrastructure manufacturers are not faced by their fact, these laws only apply to a frac- law is that a country may prefer its spending makes sure the public’s money competitors across the globe. When tion of all federal-aid infrastructure own nation’s goods in government rewards our domestic companies’ efforts we utilize taxpayer dollars to invest in spending. Billions of U.S. tax dollars procurement. Rules for local purchas- instead of rewarding foreign companies public infrastructure, U.S. manufactur- are spent annually through federal as- ing in public projects exist all over or outsourcers. ers deserve a commonsense preference sistance programs that are subject to the globe. You want the government to spend for meeting — not avoiding — these no domestic procurement preference Despite some rhetoric that may give our money wisely? Push it to Buy standards and for keeping jobs here in laws at all. an impression otherwise, the United America. the United States. • It doesn’t force the government to States has one of the most open govern- Scott Paul is President of the Alliance for Put simply, Buy America policies ap- buy unreasonably expensive goods. ment procurement markets in the world. American Manufacturing. plied to taxpayer spending translate into A Buy America preference is just A recent GAO report noted that the 7 Fixing America’s infrastructure: The road forward

Wyoming, a priority. At least one out January, we passed the bipartisan roads and bridges as well. of every four dollars spent will go to budget agreement, which includes $20 Earlier this month, Senate Minor- rural parts of the country. billion for infrastructure over the next ity Leader Chuck Schumer and other People in Wyoming continue to tell two years. If we sustain that funding Senate Democrats released an infra- me we need to speed up Washington’s level over a decade, we already would structure plan that is just not serious. sluggish approval process for impor- be half way to the amount proposed The Democrats’ outline would pay tant infrastructure projects. Develop- by the White House. for infrastructure projects by rais- ers shouldn’t have to wait a decade We can responsibly get the remaining taxes on American families and for permits on a project that will ing money by cutting government businesses. take only months to complete. The waste. Out of the $4.4 trillion Wash- Their plan is to reverse much of the president’s plan calls for a two-year ington spends each year, surely we tax-relief law passed by Republicans time limit on the permitting process. can find an extra $10 billion to fix our just last year. Nine out of 10 American This is a commonsense idea that will highways, bridges and water systems. workers have seen an increase in their help get projects done faster, better, Infrastructure has always been take-home pay because of the law. cheaper and smarter. a bipartisan issue. Republicans and Now Democrats want to take their By Sen. John Barrasso M.D. The Republican Congress is work- Democrats want to get this done. Our hard-earned money away from them. This plan is less about fixing roads merica’s infrastructure is and bridges and more about raising a major part of our daily Any infrastructure strategy needs to include all taxes. America needs a fiscally re- lives. It covers everything of America. The president’s plan makes rural sponsible infrastructure plan that will from the roads we drive communities, like those in my home state of help, not hurt, economic growth. on to the pipes that bring Despite the fact that Democrats water into our homes. Wyoming, a priority. At least one out of every four don’t seem serious about doing any- This infrastructure is also deterio- dollars spent will go to rural parts of the country. thing right now on roads and bridges, rating. It is vital that we upgrade and our committee will continue to push TMENT A maintain these aging systems. ing with President Trump to move for- committee has already made signifi- forward. We have already held 11 hear- AR President Trump and Republicans ward on infrastructure. As chairman cant progress on legislation to address ings on the issue and I believe we can in Congress agree that we need a of the Senate Committee on Environ- America’s water infrastructure needs. get this done. I invite Democrats to robust, fiscally responsible infra- ment and Public Works, I am working Our bill will include upgrades for join us in that process. structure plan that works for all of to pass legislation to preserve our in- water systems, flood prevention, We all drive on America’s bridges c tionS D EP America. frastructure in a way that strengthens ports, dams and shipping lanes. Water and highways. We all use the water Last month, the president released the economy and protects families. infrastructure is a large portion of the that comes from our faucets. Let’s use c i a l Se his priorities. His plan includes The committee I chair held the president’s plan and both parties are this opportunity to pass major infra- making a serious investment in the first congressional hearing on the working together to get it right. structure legislation that will grow nation’s infrastructure. It also stream- president’s plan last month. We heard Another priority for President our economy, make our communities lines burdensome permitting require- encouraging testimony on the needs Trump is the redevelopment of old, safer and keep our nation prosperous. ments and makes sure Washington of the nation from Transportation polluted infrastructure sites, com- is working as a partner with local Secretary Elaine Chao and R.D. James, monly called “brownfields.” Cleaning Sen. John Barrasso, Wyoming Republi- governments. the head of the U.S. Army Corps of up these areas will make them func- can, is Chairman of the Senate Commit- Any infrastructure strategy needs Engineers. tional again. Working with Democrats, tee on Environment and Public Works. INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON to include all of America. The presi- Congress has already made a seri- we have also made great progress on dent’s plan makes rural communi- ous down payment on the president’s legislation to address these sites. This

Y T H E W ties, like those in my home state of infrastructure investment plans. In bipartisan spirit needs to extend to AR E D B

T P R EP To unleash American building, cut the red tape

America has always been a land of years to get off the ground. the economic potential of a major infra- INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO great builders — from Grand Lake in I know this better than anyone. structure package. He’s serious about northeast Oklahoma to the Golden Gate Before I got involved in public service, restoring America’s ability to build criti- A S PE T H E W

| Bridge and the inland waterway sys- I was a builder and developer for many cal infrastructure on budget and on time. tem, we’ve seen the dramatic economic years. I was doing what we want all Our permitting system hasn’t always impact that comes from investing in American businesses to do — create been like this. When the National infrastructure. With the development of jobs and expand the tax base. But I kept Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was new technology of the 21st century, we running into the same problem: govern- passed in 1970, it was the first time would expect that the United States is ment. I still remember being told that I environmental impact statements were well positioned to take on bold projects needed to obtain approval from over two required for all infrastructure projects. that would lead the world. dozen agencies to build a single dock. At the time, environmental reviews The private sector is ready and Imagine if I were trying to build a road were expected to take no more than a eager to invest in many of these critical or a dam. year. Today, because of the sprawling projects but has been hesitant to jump President Trump’s infrastructure expanse of government bureaucracy

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday — most notably because our flawed and proposal recognizes this problem and and inefficiencies, it can be closer to 10 By Sen. James Inhofe convoluted permitting process means prioritizes responsible permitting 8 their investment may take years and reform, an important tool in unlocking » see INHOFE | C9 Smarter solutions needed to jump-start infrastructure projects

the aisle, to improve permitting pro- focus on implementing the numerous provide permitting agencies with the cesses and coordination among agencies highway project streamlining measures staff and resources necessary to con- in order to more quickly jump-start input in place over the last six years. duct thorough and timely reviews for frastructure projects across the country. I understand there are times when infrastructure projects. Agencies often However, simply gutting or weaken- public agencies are not coordinating cite resource constraints as the primary ing the bedrock environmental laws that as effectively as possible, and projects reason they cannot accelerate reviews. protect the air we breathe, the water are delayed without good reason. That It’s pretty simple: If we want this work to we drink and the land we share will not is precisely why I supported the 22 be prioritized, then we should be ensur- achieve faster results. Instead, it threat- streamlining provisions that passed in ing that these agencies have the money ens our communities, wastes taxpayer the 2012 highway bill (MAP-21) and the and staff needed to complete the work. dollars and deprives the residents who 18 additional streamlining provisions Unfortunately, the president’s budget would be most affected by these projects included in the 2015 FAST Act in order to proposes massive cuts to these agen- from making their voices heard. improve coordination between agencies cies that would make it more difficult There are many ways to speed proj- and avoid duplication. However, to date, to deliver projects more quickly. The ects without causing potentially devas- many of these provisions have yet to be president’s latest budget proposed a 18 tating environmental harm. If President fully implemented. Layering additional percent cut to discretionary programs By Sen. Tom Carper Trump and his administration are seri- streamlining measures on top of one at the Department of Transportation, ous about accelerating project delivery, another before they can be implemented a more than 20 percent cut to the U.S. fter decades of woeful Army Corps of Engineers, and a 24 per- underinvestment and cent cut to the Environmental Protection short-sighted policy deci- Agencies often cite resource constraints as the Agency, compared with levels enacted in sions, our country is finally primary reason they cannot accelerate reviews. It’s 2017. The president’s budget also slashes

having a long-overdue con- funding for programs designed specifi- A S PE versation about the state of pretty simple: If we want this work to be prioritized, cally to make the permitting process our infrastructure. By and large, Demo- then we should be ensuring that these agencies have better, like the Department of Trans- C I A L R EPO cratsA and Republicans in Congress, along the money and staff needed to complete the work. portation’s Infrastructure Permitting with a majority of Americans, agree: The Improvement Center. highways, bridges, ports, railways and If the administration is truly inter- waterways that so many of us use every then I have a few steps that they can take and before we can assess their effective- ested in accelerating infrastructure T P R EP day are in dire need of repair. There is right now to do so without rolling back ness is not a smart approach and may projects and conducting environmental

also broad support for investing in our important environmental protections. actually delay projects. reviews more efficiently, then it should AR E D B country’s transportation network in First, President Trump should act In March 2017, the Department of prioritize providing adequate funding order to more effectively and efficiently expeditiously to appoint an execu- Transportation’s Office of the Inspector and leadership for the agencies responsi- move people and goods from one place tive director to the Federal Permitting General released a report highlighting ble for those reviews and not impede the Y T H E W to another. Improvement Steering Council. In 2015, the real risks of adopting new streamlin- progress we have made thus far. I think

Unfortunately, instead of calling Congress created this council in that ing measures before the old ones are we can all agree that smarter processes INGTONASH TIME S Spe for much-needed investments in our year’s highway bill, known as the FAST implemented. The report noted that the in government that achieve better out- country’s infrastructure, the Trump Act, for the explicit purpose of better co- streamlining measures Congress passed comes is a good thing. By taking these administration’s proposal released last ordinating and expediting permits. How- in the 2015 FAST Act may have actu- three steps, the Trump administration month focuses more on undermining ever, over a year into this administra- ally delayed the benefits from the 2012 can help ensure projects are reviewed environmental protections in the name tion, an executive director has yet to be MAP-21 streamlining provisions. In other more efficiently without compromising of speeding up infrastructure projects. appointed. If the Trump administration words, we are already seeing counter- our nation’s foundational environmental Since my days as governor of really wants to accelerate the permitting productive effects of adopting additional protections.

Delaware and chairman of the National process, then it should prioritize finding streamlining measures. In order to c i a l Se Governors Association, I’ve been com- a qualified individual to lead this council avoid similar problems going forward, Sen. Tom Carper, Delaware Democrat, mitted to making sure that infrastructure whose primary mission, according to the the Trump administration should allow serves as the Ranking Member on the THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP projects are completed in a timely man- General Services Administration, is to existing streamlining measures to take Senate Environment and Public Works ner. That’s why I have worked with my accelerate the permitting process. effect. Committee. colleagues in the Senate, on both sides of Next, this administration should Finally, President Trump should AR TMENT

additional 3 percent, meaning a five-year build on the successful reforms of the proposal and turn it into law. Permitting | INHOFE delay due to permitting results in a 15 past by expanding those provisions to reform is just one critical part of it, but a Thursday • March 22 • 2018 From page C8 percent price tag increase. include all modes of infrastructure. vital one to ensuring that taxpayer funds We need to cut red tape to ensure Reducing bureaucracy in the permit- are spent wisely and efficiently on build- that needed projects, especially in ting process doesn’t have to put any en- ing projects so we can accomplish the years because there are just too many underserved communities, can get off vironmental protections at risk. Just look bold plan we’ve set out to do. decision-makers, resulting in sequen- the ground. We’ve taken positive steps at Canada and Germany. While they tial (not concurrent) review processes, forward to streamline permitting pro- are known for being “green” countries, Sen. James Inhofe, Oklahoma Republi- ballooning agency costs and a lack of cesses in the Fixing America’s Surface they can generally provide necessary can, is Chairman of the Senate Environ- communication between agencies on Transportation (FAST) Act and the 2016 improvements for major infrastructure ment and Public Works Subcommittee identical reviews. Water Infrastructure Improvements for projects within two years, including en- on Transportation and Infrastructure. These delays come at a real cost. the Nation (WIIN) Act by encourag- vironmental reviews, because they have The Oklahoma Department of Trans- ing greater interagency cooperation a consolidated decision-making process. portation reports that for each year of and quicker review timelines, but more We’re already having conversations project delays, the cost increases by an needs to be done. We can, and should, to take the president’s infrastructure 9 A major stumbling block for energy infrastructure: Activism from the bench

By Craig Stevens

here is a mounting consensus within Washington, D.C., about the need to modernize the country’s aging infrastructure. Leaders across nearly Tevery political caucus acknowledge that maintaining the status quo is an TMENT inadequate means to support economic AR growth, improve quality of life or pro- the most obvious measure is to ensure with environmental and conservation exposed soils along the route may be tect our communities. The big ques- that businesses that are investing aren’t groups; surveying and mitigation plan- washed away by high waters. With tion is how to pay for the investment penalized for it. While that may sound ning; and ongoing coordination with water levels already rising, the window it will take to bring our systems up to like common sense, one of the biggest federal and state offices. to get equipment into low-lying areas c tionS D EP citizens’ expectations. obstacles in the way of midstream en- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to minimize sedimentation is quickly Last month, Congressional Demo- ergy development has become courts found that Bayou Bridge’s mitigation closing. c i a l Se crats announced a $1 trillion govern- acting as de facto regulators. measures will result in a net-zero loss Unfortunately, the Bayou Bridge ment spending package to overhaul In recent months, several examples of surrounding wetland. The U.S. Fish Pipeline is not an isolated case. Activ- U.S. infrastructure. President Trump’s have brought to light the alarming and Wildlife Service concurred that ists successfully stalled the Dakota plan, which relies much more on trend of court rulings that are pos- the project will not adversely impact Access Pipeline in North Dakota and of sibly influenced by pressure from protected species in the area. In fact, course the headline-grabbing Keystone interest groups interrupting pipeline builders have gone to great lengths XL Pipeline. Even though the regula- But perhaps the most construction. The result — a cycle of to mitigate impacts by using special- tory processes for those projects were start-and-stop orders for builders — ized equipment, backfilling excavated later upheld, the interruptions ex-

INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON obvious measure is to ensure that businesses not only elevates the risk of failure at materials and paralleling existing lines acted serious costs. More recently, the that are investing aren’t those sites, it sets a perilous precedent across the Atchafalaya Basin to pre- Constitution Pipeline in New York was Y T H E W for industry. In effect, these rulings tell serve the integrity of sensitive envi- scrapped altogether due to external penalized for it. While developers that even if a project is fully ronmental resources. political forces. approved by federal and state regula- It should come as no surprise It’s not often that Washington, D.C.,

AR E D B that may sound like tors, it may very well be for naught. that the stop order has already had a is the source of common sense. But it common sense, one of Late last month, a U.S. District negative impact on the company and seems lawmakers’ priorities are more

T P R EP the biggest obstacles in Court judge upheld a preliminary on Louisianans. The disruption will aligned with the public than judges the way of midstream injunction halting construction on por- generate as much as $950,000 in costs out to regulate from the bench. Nearly energy development has tions of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline in each day, and the construction delays two-thirds of Americans say funding Louisiana. The decision flies in the face risk over $12 million in lost revenue infrastructure should be a primary INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO become courts acting of the regulatory process. In fact, as this year and more than $75 million in focus for policymakers. Congress and as de facto regulators. judicial scholar and NYU law profes- 2019. The first week of work stoppage the White House are right to figure out A S PE T H E W

| sor Richard Epstein has noted, “Judge required $2.2 million to de-mobilize how to fund solutions. But they should private sector involvement, calls for Shelly Dick has adopted an aggressive crews and equipment, and contrac- start with empowering the private $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. Both reading of the phrase ‘arbitrary and ca- tors may need to lay off or furlough sector to be an ally by streamlining the proposals have the right aim in sight pricious’ that arrogates unto the courts as many as 500 workers, according to regulatory process and creating mea- but still fall shy of the $3.6 trillion the the power to decide which pipelines Bayou Bridge’s court filings. sures that stop the courts from moving American Society of Civil Engineers should be completed and which should Even more confounding, the stop- the goalposts on builders. says is needed to bring the country to a be forced to remain in limbo long after page may create the kind of environ- state of good repair by 2020. construction has begun.” mental damage it was purportedly Craig Stevens is the spokesman for There are many policy levers at The pipeline’s builders closely meant to avoid. The Bayou Bridge Grow America’s Infrastructure Now, a lawmakers’ disposal to begin rebuild- followed the letter of the law and planning had accounted for the national coalition focused on promot- ing the United States’ infrastructure: fully accounted for environmental Atchafalaya Basin’s rainy season, which ing key infrastructure investments.

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday public funding, federally secured loans considerations. The efforts included is rapidly approaching, by limiting Follow the Coalition on Twitter @ and stronger public-private partner- meetings with federal, state and construction between April and June. GAINNowAmerica. 10 ships, to name only a few. But perhaps municipal authorities; consultation Because all “action” is now prevented, GAIN Supports Regulatory Certainty

The GAIN Coalition recognizes regulatory certainty as one of the pillars upon which RXUQDWLRQVLQIUDVWUXFWXUHUHOLHV)HGHUDOVWDWHDQGORFDORI´FLDOVHQVXUHWKDW infrastructure projects are thoroughly planned and exactingly constructed.

The reliability of that process, in turn, fosters investment in our roads, pipelines, and waterways, creating good-paying jobs, generating tax revenue for municipalities, and ultimately enhancing the safety of local communities. We support common-sense solutions that lead to investment in our infrastructure. A S PE

It’s time to Grow America’s Infrastructure Now. C I A L R EPO

The GAIN Coalition is a diverse coalition of trade associations, labor groups and businesses that have come together to rally support for infrastructure projects across the country. GAIN represents T P R EP

12 organizations that collectively have more than 1 million individual members across 9 states. AR E D B www.gainnow.org | @GAINNowAmerica Y T H E W INGTONASH TIME S Spe c i a l Se THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP AR TMENT | Thursday • March 22 • 2018

11 Infrastructure is not a Republican or Democratic issue — it’s an American issue since I became chairman five years ago, you should pay for what you use and not the system per mile travelled. Further- and I look forward to working with my rely on deficit spending to take care of more, electric car drivers don’t pay a colleagues, including Ranking Member your needs. As President Ronald Reagan dime into the Highway Trust Fund. Peter DeFazio, on this critical effort. said, in support of increasing invest- The current path is not sustainable. Beyond the political math, infra- ment in the nation’s roads and bridges, There is no one silver bullet solution structure shouldn’t be viewed through a “Good tax policy decrees that wherever that addresses all of our challenges and partisan lens. There are no Republican possible, a fee for a service should be we must consider any fiscally respon- roads or Democratic airports. Personal assessed against those who directly sible option for real infrastructure ideology has no bearing on whether benefit from that service.” In keeping investment. your train is on time or if the milk with this conservative principle, we I appreciate the concern expressed makes it to the shelf at your local gro- need to be realistic and have an honest by some in Washington about raising cery store. A modern, efficient transpor- conversation about the sustainability a user fee after passing sweeping tax tation system benefits urban and rural of the Highway Trust Fund because the reform. Some argue that paying at the America and addresses regional con- next Trust Fund shortfall looms in 2020. pump constitutes a “regressive” user cerns while having a national impact. Failing to fix the Trust Fund will only re- fee that most impacts drivers from rural We must also balance our needs with sult in Congress again turning to deficit areas. However, what they don’t say is being fiscally responsible. An infrastruc- spending to cover the shortfall. that this actually provides a progres- By Rep. Bill Shuster ture plan must be paid for. It will take Unlike taxes collected by the federal sive benefit. For example, in my state of involvement at all levels of government, government, the Highway Trust Fund is Pennsylvania, for every $1 paid at the ow that the president has leveraging nonfederal dollars, tapping sustained by user fees collected at the pump, very rural areas receive $1.70 released his principles on into more private-sector resources, gas pump that are exclusively dedicated back to help build and maintain their infrastructure, it is up to streamlining project approvals and to highway and transit project invest- infrastructure. him, as a builder who un- more. But as always, the federal government — it is no slush fund for other The reality is that the country des- derstands the role of infra- ment must play a vital role in investing unrelated government programs. It’s perately needs investments in infrastructure in our economy, structure and we have to find a way to to continue to lead on this issue and pay for it. We are elected to Congress TMENT make it clear to the American people The reality is that the country desperately needs to tackle the big challenges facing the AR N why such investments are so important. investments in infrastructure and we have to find nation and make the tough decisions Congress has the responsibility of a way to pay for it. Just because the challenges we to preserve our general welfare. Just drafting legislation that will make these because the challenges we face are dif- real and meaningful investments for face are difficult should not lead us to inaction. ficult should not lead us to inaction. c tionS D EP the nation. The Transportation and Success requires Congress to work Infrastructure Committee will spear- in our transportation network. a social contract: If you use the road, together on a fiscally responsible, c i a l Se head legislative efforts in the House, Adam Smith, often called the “fa- you pay for its upkeep. Unfortunately, forward-looking, bipartisan plan, and in coordination with the work of other ther of modern economics,” asserted because the user fee has remained it also requires continued presidential committees. Our work on this critical the federal duty in the “erection and unchanged for the last 25 years, the leadership. If the president continues legislation is already underway, guided maintenance of the public works which Highway Trust Fund no longer accu- to make infrastructure a priority, as he by three core principles: An infrastruc- facilitate the commerce of any country” rately reflects the current value of the has since before entering the White ture plan must be bipartisan, it must in his book, “The Wealth of Nations,” in dollar, the state of the transportation House, I believe he will join the ranks be fiscally responsible and it must be turn inspiring our Founders’ drafting of industry or how people are getting from of our other great Republican infra- forward leaning. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. here to there. structure presidents, like Presidents INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON First of all, we have to work together. Congress cannot “devolve” or abdicate For example, based on the value of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower Only a bipartisan bill can clear the this constitutional responsibility to the the dollar in 1993, when the user fee and Reagan.

Y T H E W Senate and get to the president’s desk. states; helping to build our national was last adjusted, the user fee has lost Fortunately, we have already proven this transportation system is a partnership approximately 40 percent of its purchas- Rep. Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania Republi- is possible. Transportation and Infra- that involves both federal and state ing power. Greater fuel efficiency and can, is Chairman of the House Transpor- AR E D B structure Committee members have governments. growth in hybrid vehicle usage mean tation and Infrastructure Committee. provided an example of bipartisanship As a conservative, I firmly believe that highway users are paying less into T P R EP INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO 3 ways to fix permitting pitfalls A S PE T H E W

| Time is money. Escalating costs of and build off the progress made in the the impacts of a project. This agency can infrastructure projects prove this point 2015 FAST Act, we must streamline the assign deadlines and hold the others ac- — especially when it takes an average of myriad of laws, regulations and agencies countable to process reviews in a timely seven years (or more) to complete envi- involved in the review and permitting of fashion. With a single, comprehensive ronmental reviews for major projects. infrastructure. review being used for all additional per- Only in government do we spend The first and most obvious way to mitting decisions with concrete approval upwards of a decade doing what should shrink the environmental review timeline deadlines we can deliver projects faster be done in two years. would be to adopt a “one agency, one and cut project costs. The process is mired in a tremendous decision” structure for National Envi- I have seen firsthand how it’s possible amount of red tape, often with a mix of ronmental Policy Act (NEPA) decisions. at the state level to streamline permit- state and federal agencies holding roles Simply put, when numerous agencies ting amid stringent environmental laws

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday ranging from applicant to lead agency are involved in the same project, one by addressing NEPA during the initial By Rep. Jeff Denham or decision-maker … for a single project. is appointed the lead and tasked with 12 If we’re ever to cut the redundancies producing one analysis or decision on » see DENHAM | C13 It’s time for real investment in our nation’s infrastructure fallen into disrepair. We have neglected nation’s airports, ports, roads, bridges through 2030. The increase in user the engines of commerce and our and transit systems. My legislative pro- fees is estimated to be one cent per economy. posals include: year, and is capped at 1.5 cents per Last month, President Trump re- • H.R. 1265 “Investing in America: year. leased his long-awaited infrastructure Rebuilding America’s Airport • H.R. 1901 “Investing in America: proposal, which cuts federal investment Infrastructure Act,” cosponsored Unlocking the Harbor Maintenance in transportation and shifts the burden by Rep. Thomas Massie, Kentucky Trust Fund Act,” cosponsored by Rep. to cash-strapped states, territories and Republican, which lifts the cap on Mike Kelly, Pennsylvania Republi- local governments. This plan supports can, guarantees the tax currently selling off our roads, bridges, transit collected on the value of imported and water systems, paving the way for cargo and deposited in the Harbor By Rep. Peter DeFazio new tolls and fees. There is widespread, Unfortunately, this legacy Maintenance Trust Fund is used for bipartisan opposition to the president’s its intended purpose — harbor main- mericans and our economy proposal. of federal investment in tenance — and not to hide the size depend on the safety and The president proposes in his FY our nation’s infrastructure of the budget deficit. This legislation stability of our nation’s 2019 budget to cut more than $168 has been forgotten will provide more than $18 billion roads, bridges, transit and billion from current infrastructure for our nation’s coastal and inland water systems. The federal programs that provide a robust federal by many in Congress. harbors over the next decade without government’s commitment contribution, ensure good-paying con- The condition of our raising one more dime in taxes. to helping build and maintain those struction jobs, use American iron and highways, railroads, These bipartisan solutions would systemsA dates back to the beginning of steel, and give small businesses a fair dramatically increase investment in our airports and harbors our country. chance to compete. The plan also guts nation’s infrastructure, spur innovation It began with President George bedrock environmental, clean-water and have fallen into disrepair. and economic growth, and create mil-

Washington, who initiated the first fed- clean-air protections under the guise of We have neglected the lions of jobs. A S PE erally funded road because he believed accelerating projects. The proposal does engines of commerce It is time for Congress and the in the importance of connecting our not address the serious infrastructure and our economy. Trump administration to get serious C I A L R EPO country from East to West. needs facing this country. about fixing our nation’s infrastructure. President Dwight Eisenhower That’s why in February House The United States used to have a trans- transformed our national infrastructure Democrats released “A Better Deal to portation system that was the envy of by creating and funding the Interstate Rebuild America” — a plan that calls for the Passenger Facility Charge that the world. Now we’ve fallen behind. T P R EP Highway System, linking our country investment in infrastructure at a level allows airports to generate billions If the president and Republican

like never before. And it was during five times larger than President Trump’s. of dollars locally to rebuild and leaders in Congress are serious about AR E D B Ronald Reagan’s presidency that the Our proposal offers $1 trillion in federal rehabilitate aging terminals, runways making infrastructure a priority, then federal government recognized the funding to rebuild our crumbling roads, and taxiways to keep pace with the we have a unique opportunity to make importance of investing in public transit bridges, transit systems, ports, harbors, ever-increasing demands of the 21st badly needed investments that we have Y T H E W systems and authorized Highway Trust airports and schools; extend high-speed century. been avoiding for decades. We can

Fund dollars for these projects for the Internet to every family in America; and • H.R. 1664 “Investing in America: A provide real investments now that will INGTONASH TIME S Spe first time. They knew the federal gov- put more than 16 million people to work. Penny for Progress Act,” cospon- help us stay competitive in the world ernment had an obligation to help our But, restoring and upgrading our sored by Rep. Lou Barletta, Penn- economy. Democrats stand determined cities. national infrastructure doesn’t need to sylvania Republican, which indexes and ready to get to work, and get Unfortunately, this legacy of federal be a partisan issue. I’ve introduced three gas and diesel user fees and bonds America moving again. investment in our nation’s infrastructure pieces of legislation, two cosponsored the proceeds to generate more than has been forgotten by many in Con- by Freedom Caucus members and a $500 billion to improve our nation’s Rep. Peter DeFazio, Oregon Democrat, gress. The condition of our highways, third cosponsored by a conservative highways, bridges and public transit is Ranking Member on the House Trans- railroads, airports and harbors have Republican, that will help to rebuild our systems, and meet future needs portation and Infrastructure Committee. c i a l Se THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP

highway projects. Right now, anyone can approving or denying certifications to major infrastructure projects to keep DENHAM file an arbitrary lawsuit against a project prevent a permit from being issued — pace with our country’s ever-growing for up to two years, even if the litigant is they are instead claiming applications infrastructure needs. As we produce an From page C12 AR

not impacted in any way. Keep in mind, are incomplete, thereby stopping proj- infrastructure investment package over TMENT this is after the decade-long review and ects in their tracks. the coming months, we need to include review process. We have successfully permitting process. The mere existence We have an opportunity to improve cost-saving measures so taxpayer dollars | passed federal laws to allow states like of such a lawsuit provides so much risk the permitting process by putting in go as far as possible. Expediting time Thursday • March 22 • 2018 California, whose requirements are more that project sponsors must stop construc- place barriers to such illegitimate stall frames, consolidating decision-making comprehensive than NEPA, to complete tion immediately. tactics. By requiring states to make a and providing agency accountability to NEPA and the state review at the same We have also seen the Clean Water “completeness determination” within deliver projects faster is a simple way to time and for state laws to preempt NEPA Act used as a guise for predatory stall three months of the initial Section 401 cut costs. If we’re serious about infra- requirements if they meet a certain stan- tactics. Section 401 of the Clean Water application, we can enforce the existing structure investment, commonsense dard (a pilot program otherwise known Act — which states that water quality 12-month deadline for states to make a reforms should accompany dollars to as “NEPA Reciprocity”). This is com- determinations be provided by states — decision and remove Section 401 as an provide the best deal for the taxpayer. monsense policy that we must expand. has been weaponized to stop compliant environmental tool for stymieing infra- While success at the state level doesn’t projects. States have denied Section 401 structure projects. Rep. Jeff Denham, California Re- necessarily convey to federal programs, a certifications for reasons grossly outside Reducing reviews and inefficiencies publican, is Chairman of the House good start would be to reduce the judicial of the scope of water quality, such as in the process is a bipartisan issue that Transportation and Infrastructure review time frame for NEPA Reciproc- noise impacts in Washington State. would save American businesses and Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipe- ity to 150 days like the rest of federal Other states like New York simply aren’t taxpayers trillions of dollars and move lines and Hazardous Materials. 13 Turning innovation into action: Maryland’s Traffic Relief Plan up to I-70 in Frederick County. As the largest highway partnership of its kind in North America, this project epitomizes the ways in which Maryland is a leading state for transportation innovation. For the 120,000 drivers who depend on the constantly clogged Baltimore- Washington Parkway (MD 295) every day, the Traffic Relief Plan also includes a $1.4 billion project to add two express lanes in each direction. As part of our $7 billion investment in new transportation projects in the Baltimore region, we are also investing $461 million to add 27 miles of new highway lanes on I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) and I-95 north of By Gov. Larry Hogan Baltimore. From Maryland I-95 express lane or decades, Maryland has successes in northeast Baltimore County been plagued by some of the to Virginia’s I-95 and I-495 express lane worst traffic congestion in the projects, express lanes are a proven Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (center) and other state officials released the Traffic Relief nation and the statistics bear solution to provide congestion relief. Plan for I-270 in September 2017. this out: Our state has the sec- Virginia’s express lanes alone resulted Photo credit: Maryland Governor’s Office. ond-longest commuting times in the country, and the National Capital Region is the most congested region in TMENT F the nation based on annual delay and AR congestion cost per auto-commuter. It is not just time that is being wasted sitting in traffic, this is costing the state and our citizens real money. The statewide cost c tionS D EP of congestion, based on auto delay, truck delay and wasted fuel and emissions,

c i a l Se was estimated at $2 billion in 2015, an increase of 22 percent from 2013, and more than 98 percent of the weekday congestion cost was incurred in the Baltimore- Washington region. Thankfully, relief is on the way. Getting traffic moving again along our clogged highways requires a series of INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON bold, innovative and multifaceted solutions. Our administration has outlined

Y T H E W a statewide Traffic Relief Plan that will substantially improve our transportation system. Individually, any of these projects AR E D B will greatly reduce our traffic congestion problem. When all of the elements of our

T P R EP Traffic Relief Plan are added together, we U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao joined Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (fifth from right) and other federal and state will have significantly improved our qual- officials for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Purple Line in August 2017. ity of life in Maryland. Photo credit: Maryland Governor’s Office. Every day, hundreds of thousands INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO of drivers are slowed to a crawl during in $5.3 billion generated in economic Baltimore region are part of a “system of daily lives much more safely and effi- their rush hour commutes — this has to activity, 28,000 jobs supported and $765 systems” approach in Maryland, which ciently. At the same time, these projects A S PE T H E W

| end. Our plan calls for major widening million in small-business, women and takes successful projects across the state will help attract new economic develop- and targeted technological improve- minority contracts. and ensures they work together as a ment in the region as businesses recog- ments to the Capital Beltway, I-270, the Improving our highway system must true transportation network. This also nize the value of a smoother, safer and Baltimore/Washington Parkway, the go hand-in-hand with mass transit solu- includes Maryland’s $100 million invest- faster commute for their employees. Baltimore Beltway and I-95 north of tions. In September, I became the first ment in the I-270 Innovative Congestion Our administration is committed to Baltimore, bringing them into the 21st regional leader to put a substantive offer Management project that will help build making sure that Maryland is a great century and greatly reducing the traffic on the table to fix the Washington, D.C., a foundation for long-term relief while place to live, work, start a business and problems on these vital roadways. Metro system’s funding shortfall and, also replacing outdated, unresponsive raise a family. Our Traffic Relief Plan is This $7.6 billion Public-Private Part- with legislation recently passed in Mary- traffic lights with new smart signals that another way that we are changing Mary- nership (P3) will add two express lanes land and Virginia, the National Capital can respond to traffic incidents on the land for the better. in each direction along the entire length Region is poised to make a historic fly without human intervention.

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday of I-495, including the American Legion investment in Metro’s future. The Purple Our holistic approach to solving Gov. Larry Hogan is Maryland’s 62nd Bridge to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Line in Prince George’s and Montgom- Maryland’s congestion problems will governor. 14 and the entire length of I-270 from I-495 ery Counties and BaltimoreLink in the allow Marylanders to go about their PA investing heavily in infrastructure; where are federal commitments?

“little to no impact on the economy.” That simply won’t suffice. Pennsylvania has the fifth-largest state-maintained highway network in the nation, the third-largest state- maintained bridge system, and has the second-highest number of structurally deficient bridges in the nation. While many states, including Pennsylvania, have increased investments in our infrastructure, the federal government has not done the same, so we have tackled this challenge head on without appropriate federal support. Since 2013, the Pennsylvania Depart- ment of Transportation has completed By Gov. Tom Wolf 2,448 projects worth $5.4 billion and has an additional 743 projects worth $5.5 ennsylvania is at the center billion underway. Over the last three of the largest market in the years, we’ve repaired or rebuilt 1,600 world, and over the last bridges and improved more than 18,000 several years our common- miles of roadways.

wealth has worked to make We have also continued to make A S PE sure Pennsylvania’s infra- progress in reducing the number of

structure can move goods and products structurally deficient bridges in the C I A L R EPO Pto market so Pennsylvania businesses commonwealth, down to 3,114 as of Jan. can compete globally. 1, from a high of 6,034 in 2008. We’ve improved more than 18,000 Pennsylvania and other states need

miles of roadways, and we’re increasing federal commitments to maintaining the T P R EP our focus on lower volume, rural roads solvency of Highway Trust Fund so the

so all Pennsylvanians benefit from our increased effort in recent years by states AR E D B efforts to improve roads, bridges and all that have taken the initiative to increase infrastructure. funding is recognized. We’ve invested more than $300 mil- Any infrastructure plan must invest Y T H E W lion in our ports so we can be at the beyond roads and bridges. While he was

center of an economy that moves goods campaigning, the president frequently INGTONASH TIME S Spe globally. commented on the state of our airport We’ve outlined a plan to deliver terminals and the lack of high-speed broadband to every Pennsylvanian. rail. He’s talked about the importance of Over the last five years, Pennsylvania moving goods and people, but we need has led the way on major infrastructure a stronger commitment to these efforts. projects — and now to get to the next In Pennsylvania, we make annual level, we need that same commitment investments in transit, aviation, rail

from the federal government. freight and pedestrian and bicycle c i a l Se President Trump promised to make projects through dedicated sources of rebuilding the country’s infrastructure a funds, putting the modes on a firmer THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP key plank of his presidency, but in order footing for future initiatives. to improve roads, rebuild bridges, and Our multimodal investments sup- develop new infrastructure like broad- port important projects that help band and high-speed rail, we need real residents and local economies. We are AR

federal investment. making possible improvements that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf met with students and staff at the Philly Shipyard Apprentice TMENT While the president committed in will bring significant benefits to these Training Academy and shipbuilding facility last year. Since 2000, workers at the massive the State of the Union Address to lever- communities. shipyard have delivered 26 ships, which represents more than half of all ocean-going |

age partnerships with state and local This week, new cranes are being commercial ships delivered in U.S. shipyards during that time. Thursday • March 22 • 2018 governments, I am concerned that the delivered to the port of Philadelphia as Photo courtesy of Office of Governor Tom Wolf. president’s plan does not invest enough part of a $300 million investment by my in our infrastructure to make a mean- administration. ingful difference. As the White House and Congress and affordable access to broadband is investing in new infrastructure and The president’s plan proposes to work to fulfill their promises on infra- vital to the way we live our lives. fixing our roads and bridges because, increase infrastructure spending by $200 structure, it is essential that broadband As with many of our challenges, as the Keystone State, we need to make billion with the goal of leveraging fund- expansion be part of that conversation. states must now step up on our own. sure our infrastructure is second to ing to achieve a $1.5 trillion total invest- Unfortunately, the president’s recent That’s why this week, I outlined a plan none. But we need the same commitment. However, experts say that his plan modest 10-year plan makes broadband to provide all Pennsylvanians access ment from the federal government — will not even come close to that: One projects eligible for funding, but this to broadband internet by 2022. But in sooner rather than later. analysis by the University of Pennsylva- is not sufficient without dedicated order to achieve this goal, we need the nia found that the plan will fall more than funding. federal government to step up. Gov. Tom Wolf is Pennsylvania’s 47th $1.3 trillion short of its goal and will have In today’s global economy, reliable In Pennsylvania, we’re going to keep governor. 15 Transit leaders reject funding cuts, urge Congress to increase investments in public transit

By The American Public (CIG), Transportation Investment Transportation Association Generating Economic Recovery “In Allegheny County, the Capital Investment Grant program (TIGER), Amtrak and the ublic transit leaders from would be used to make more efficient connections local D.C. Metro’s budget in its fis- across the country are cal year 2019 proposed budget. The speaking out and strongly to downtown Pittsburgh and neighborhoods that are cuts to the CIG program will put 53 opposing President Trump’s home to several major hospitals and universities, public transit new-start projects at deep cuts to public transit allowing ‘America’s Most Livable City’ to continue risk. The projects total $51.7 billion in the administration’s fis- in investments in America’s public cal year 2019 proposed budget. If fully its evolution into a major technology center for our transit infrastructure. Pimplemented, these cuts would put at These projects also have local region. Projects like this are only possible when risk 800,000 jobs, including 502,000 and state funds committed with the construction and related jobs, and an we leverage federal funding with local dollars, and expectation that the federal govern- additional 300,000 longer-term jobs we greatly appreciate and cherish that support. ment will fulfill its financial obliga- associated with economic productiv- tions promised in the 2015 Fixing ity, according to the American Public Ultimately, we will only be successful when we work America’s Surface Transportation Transportation Association (APTA). with all of our partners.” (FAST) Act, which received overwhelming bipartisan approval. — Katharine Eagan Kelleman, CEO, Port Authority Public transit leaders are speak- of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ing out about the community and economic impacts of these proposed “Federal funding is cuts to their local public transit critical to the safety Proposed Public Transportation are calling on Congress to reject projects. Capital Funding Cuts,” an analysis these budget cuts.” and reliability of our prepared by the Economic Develop- The administration proposes cuts TMENT ment Research Group for APTA. to the Capital Investment Grants

AR transit system, which supports a million trips The administration offered cuts to crucial programs that fund public each weekday here in transit infrastructure to pay for their proposed infrastructure plan. c tionS D EP the nation’s capital. “The CIG program is critical to communities “Cutting investments in America’s At a time when many public transit infrastructure to fund like Albany, where we were able to build and c i a l Se of our nation’s transit an infrastructure initiative is like operate the first BRT line in Upstate New York. systems are falling robbing Peter to pay Paul,” said This was thanks to the Small Starts program. APTA President and CEO Paul P. dangerously behind on Skoutelas. “However, we are encour- Without continued support for this program, maintenance due to aged that lawmakers on both sides of we are facing the harsh reality of not being able funding challenges, the aisle support increased investments in public transit that will to meet customer demand and provide additional we need more boost our economy and the quality

INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON innovative services, which are a necessity for investment, not less” of life in our local communities. We transportation systems across the country to Paul Wiedefeld, General Y T H E W — help expand public transportation options, Manager and CEO, increase connectivity, reduce congestion

AR E D B Washington Metropolitan “Our first rapid transit Transit Authority, line, the Red Line, was and boost economic growth.”

T P R EP Washington, D.C. awarded a Small Starts — Carm Basile, CEO, Capital District grant and will connect Transportation Authority, Albany, New York. “The proposed budget cuts to nearly 150,000 jobs INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO public transit will affect acces- and 50,000 residents in sibility for millions of Americans A S PE T H E W Indianapolis. Without the

| across the nation who rely on our bus and rail systems to get to and catalyst of CIG federal from jobs, health care and educa- funding in partnership tion,” said APTA Chair and Jack- sonville Transportation Authority with dedicated local CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. “Without funds, these life- this funding, projects that rely on changing projects will Capital Investment Grants will not be implemented and communities not continue to will suffer.” be possible.” Overall, these proposed cuts Mike Terry, President Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday would result in a possible loss of $90 — billion in economic output, accord- and CEO, IndyGo, 16 ing to “Economic Implications From Indianapolis, Indiana. WITHOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, WE DON’T MOVE FORWARD. A S PE C I A L R EPO T P R EP AR E D B Y T H E W INGTONASH TIME S Spe c i a l Se

CONGRESS: THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP Don’t let our country fall behind.

in public transportation. AR INCREASE INVESTMENT TMENT | Our nation’s public transit systems do more than carry Americans to work. They’re a critical part of an Thursday • March 22 • 2018 integrated transportation network that drives our economy forward. In fact, every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns.

But the administration’s proposed budget cuts would slash funding for vital public transportation projects— undermining our country’s economic growth and putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk.

To protect our future, Congress must reject budget cuts and increase investment in public transportation as part of any infrastructure initiative. apta.com/InvestNow 17 5 principles for infrastructure success

600-mile expressway system by 2033 and to repair and replace numerous bridges across our state. The County Bridge Match Program and the Eco- nomic Opportunity Program created by the TIA incentivize government and the private sector to find innovative and cost-effective ways to modernize transportation in our communities. The TIA also cuts red tape by allowing for alternative contracting methods. The “design-build” construction process saves taxpayer funds and accelerates delivery of the state’s most complex projects. Nebraska is already seeing benefits By Gov. Pete Ricketts from BNA and TIA, which are expected to generate $1.6 billion over a 20-year nvestment in infrastructure is period. These infrastructure invest- coming at just the right time for ments are part of the reason why Ne- America. Thanks to the leadership braska’s highway system was recently of President Trump, Washington ranked as the fourth best in the United is positioning itself to take long- States by the Reason Foundation. overdue action on infrastructure. Neither of these initiatives would Governor Pete Ricketts speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Highway 133 on As the president and Congress work to have been possible without strong part- Friday morning. Officials, the public, and members of the media attended a ribbon-cutting Iassemble a package, their approach will nerships with state and local officials. ceremony on Highway 133 south of Blair, NE on July 7, 2017. Officials say the highway will be important. As we have developed and implemented be open to commuter traffic early next week. Photo/Jake Daniels Over the past year, the Trump them, we’ve listened to the people and TMENT administration has listened to states experts closest to our infrastructure AR while developing policy proposals. I challenges and opportunities across the Congress works to fund the package, Congress works with the president, I was honored to be one of a handful of state. they should utilize existing sources urge them to adopt his approach and governors who joined numerous other As the Trump administration and of revenue instead of raising taxes on to ensure that the voices of states are state officials at the White House as the Congress engage states and develop hardworking families. heard. The time for Congress to act is c tionS D EP president unveiled his framework for their plans, I encourage them to con- President Trump’s focus on address- now. By investing in infrastructure, we rebuilding America’s infrastructure. sider a few principles: ing the country’s infrastructure needs will be investing in the future of our c i a l Se As Washington works to pull • Incentivize creativity: States should will help move us forward. While deci- economy and our country. together legislation, states have best be challenged to present project sions about investment will ultimately practices and lessons to share. packages that utilize innovation to be made in Washington, the impacts Gov. Pete Ricketts is Nebraska’s 40th In Nebraska, we have successfully in- creatively address infrastructure will be experienced in the states. As governor. vested in a 21st century system that not needs, reduce future maintenance only supports our state but the whole costs and leverage economies of nation. It’s key to growing our top three scale that bring down project costs. industries: agriculture, manufacturing • Empower states: As governor of a INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON and tourism. And Nebraska’s I-80 and rural state, I am encouraged by the highway system connects the East Coast administration’s approach to utilize

Y T H E W and the West Coast with the Heartland block grants to allow states to make and important trading points with our decisions on how best to address state expressway system. infrastructure needs without federal AR E D B Over the years, Nebraska has con- strings. sciously positioned itself as a leader • Leverage existing funding: As the

T P R EP in transportation and infrastructure. federal government incentivizes We’ve taken historic steps to invest in states to invest locally, they should and maintain our roads, bridges and ensure that they “look back” and expressways. In 2011, our Legislature credit states, like Nebraska, who have INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO passed Sen. Deb Fischer’s Build Ne- and continue to make major invest- braska Act (BNA). The BNA designated ments in infrastructure. A S PE T H E W

| a percentage of the existing general • Cut red tape: President Trump’s state sales tax for investment in state commitment to cutting red tape infrastructure. This investment has has the potential to reduce project already helped us complete key pieces delivery time and save taxpayer of our state’s expressway system. dollars. States should be provided The BNA works hand-in-hand with with opportunities to assume federal another piece of major legislation, the responsibilities — and be encour- Transportation Innovation Act (TIA), aged to streamline permitting and Keith Stroud, Terry Scheuneman, Director Kyle Schneweis of the Department of Roads, which I helped champion in 2016. The approvals processes to accelerate Governor Pete Ricketts, and Senator Matt Williams, left to right, look over plans for TIA designated additional funding and project delivery. the bridge construction while at the site of the first project of the County Bridge Match created new engineering tools to man- • No tax hikes: Sen. Deb Fischer’s Program near Broken Bow on Tuesday. The first project in the County Bridge Match

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday age and grow Nebraska’s infrastructure. Build Nebraska Act is a model for Program was announced to the public at the Custer County courthouse in Broken Bow on With these pieces of legislation in place, making major infrastructure invest- Tuesday, June 13, 2017. The bridge designated for renovation is located just a few miles 18 Nebraska is on track to complete our ments using existing revenue. As southeast of the city off Highway 2. Photo/Jake Daniels Fixing U.S. infrastructure requires end of ‘permitting purgatory’

(EISs) be conducted on projects that the expansion of Gross Reservoir crumbling infrastructure gets worse. have significant impact on the envi- in Colorado is still waiting on final President Trump has made permit- ronment. EISs were meant to increase federal approvals. It took four years to ting reform a major principle in his public input and transparency for construct a new runway at Seattle-Ta- infrastructure package. A bill I intro- infrastructure developments. Thirty coma International Airport, but it took duced, the Rebuild America Now Act, years ago, an EIS was expected to take 15 years to get the pre-build permits. provides a detailed and sound blue- no more than 12 months to complete, Despite reports that ultimately showed print for fixing the problem. and usually only consisted of a few little environmental impact, the Key- My legislation provides realistic deadlines for permitting reviews and expands exclusion of those reviews for emergency and vital infrastructure projects. Anti-development groups are currently preparing litigation to stop American infrastructure and energy projects. My bill limits such frivolous litigation and has a specific section on streamlining the application process By Sen. Dan Sullivan for much-needed energy projects that power the country. And because the o one can argue that our Rebuild America Now Act would put crumbling infrastructure workers back to work, it has earned the — public or private — is support of a broad coalition of unions

up to the standards we and building trades — including the A S PE should be setting for our Laborers’ International Union of North

economy and our great na- America (LIUNA). C I A L R EPO tion. The problems are enormous. Our Five cabinet members — includ- Ntransportation infrastructure network ing secretaries of the Departments is in dire need of repair. With one in of Transportation, Commerce, Labor,

four bridges structurally deficient or Agriculture and Energy — all recently T P R EP obsolete, bridges are literally col- testified before a Senate Commerce,

lapsing across the country because Science and Transportation Committee AR E D B of overuse. And one out of every five hearing about the need for permitting miles of highway pavement is in poor reform to accompany an infrastructure condition, costing the average Ameri- package. They highlighted specifically Y T H E W can more than $9 a day idling in traffic. how such reforms can attract neces-

There are an estimated 240,000 sary private investments and how such INGTONASH TIME S Spe water main breaks per year in the investments can help prevent a repeat United States — and in some places, of President Obama’s $800 billion like my home state of Alaska, there are stimulus — which wrecked the coun- entire communities that don’t even try’s balance sheets while doing little have access to tap water and a flushing to spur economic growth. toilet. Much of our energy grid is at An infrastructure bill that fails full capacity or being overworked, and to reform dysfunctional permitting

many of our schools are crumbling. runs a similar risk. These reforms c i a l Se The list seems endless. will prevent billions of dollars from We can do much better for our citi- getting wasted in red tape and litiga- THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP zens, and I believe that the Trump ad- tion — making it easier to overhaul the ministration’s focus on infrastructure nation’s infrastructure. presents our nation with significant America used to be the envy of the bipartisan opportunities. However, a world in building great projects re- AR

key to the success of any infrastructure sponsibly, efficiently and on time. The TMENT illustration by greg groesch package must involve a desperately Pentagon was built in 16 months. The needed reform of our country’s broken hundred pages. That process now takes stone XL Pipeline project languished 1,500-mile Alaska-Canadian Highway, |

public-works and environmental ap- four to six years, can cost millions of in permitting purgatory for almost which passes through some of the Thursday • March 22 • 2018 proval process. dollars and often involves thousands the entire two terms of the previous world’s most rugged terrain, took about A thorough permitting process is of pages — resulting in an opaque administration before President Barack eight months. If real federal permitting important and necessary for the health process accessible only to lawyers and Obama finally killed it in 2015. It took reform is part of a broad-based infra- and safety of our citizens and our bureaucrats. an executive order by President Trump structure initiative, we can be the envy nation. But for too long, the regula- Let me provide some real-world to approve the construction of the of the world again. tory and permitting process has been examples: In my state, the U.S. Depart- pipeline. abused by radical groups and even by ment of Transportation finally broke Every day we spend fighting the Sen. Dan Sullivan, Alaska Republican, federal agencies to obstruct and delay a logjam for a 15-mile highway project overwhelming government bureaucracy serves on the Senate Armed Services critically needed projects. that has been in the works for over needed to move forward on common- Committee; Senate Committee on The National Environmental Policy 36 years — what we believe to be the sense projects to fix our roads, bridges Commerce, Science and Transporta- Act (NEPA), signed into law by Presi- longest-running EIS in the works for and water systems, is another day in tion; Senate Committee on Environ- dent Richard Nixon in 1970, mandates the federal government in the his- which opportunities for economic ment and Public Works; and Senate that Environmental Impact Statements tory of the country. After 14 years, growth are missed and our nation’s Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. 19 A 21st century trust fund for a modernized infrastructure

modernization effort — a sentiment remain questions about the mecha- address those concerns — it can be as that is shared broadly among Members nisms of a new system, it seems clear simple as an odometer reading. Innova- of Congress. However, many of the so- to me that if we aggressively pursue tion in this space is happening rapidly, lutions presented to fund a 21st century this option we can put ourselves in and with a strong commitment from infrastructure were left over from the the best position to achieve the goal transportation leaders, a new funding 20th century. In my opinion, it’s time to of long-term, sustainable funding for system could be deployed a lot faster look toward the future. infrastructure projects — something than most people acknowledge. I remain open to any viable option we all want. As a senior member of the Transpor- that leads to a modern, sustainable According to estimates, a modest tation and Infrastructure Committee, Highway Trust Fund (HTF). In order VMT user fee on personal and com- I am amazed by all the technological to do so, we need to acknowledge the mercial vehicles could raise enough advancements being made within our problems we face with our current funding to replace the gas tax and transportation system, but the govern- funding sources. Increasing fuel ef- exceed our current infrastructure obli- ment needs to keep up. I’m optimistic ficiency for passenger and commercial gations. Those transformative infra- that technology not only will improve vehicles, along with the continued pro- By Rep. Sam Graves liferation of vehicles that don’t pay fuel taxes at all, will continue to exacerbate California is in the process of testing “pay at he United States’ infrastruc- our funding problems. In 2015, the ture network is quickly same year we passed the most recent the pump” technology to allow users to pay the falling behind the rest of the five-year highway bill, federal trans- [vehicle miles traveled] VMT as they go, just as world. This is why President portation taxes collected $39 billion to drivers are accustomed to now. Similarly, Oregon Trump has made it a priority support $52 billion in program com- has tested a variety of payment methods as part to invest and modernize the mitments. That put Congress in a hole way we move people, goods and ideas. and we once again had to dip into other of the most expansive study done to date. We must act now while there is a bi- funding sources to make up the differ- TMENT T partisan desire to accomplish this goal; ence. That disparity between revenues structure projects would then become how our infrastructure network func- AR however, the political realities require and commitments will continue to more of a reality. tions but can also be harnessed to help us to think differently on how we move grow and is unsustainable if we hope to Progress is being made. Several solve how we fund it. This is my vision forward. meet our future transportation needs. states are working, with federal sup- and it’s why I am committed to advanc- Front and center in this debate is Dreams of transformative infrastruc- port, to further develop the idea. For ing a 21st century solution for a mod- c tionS D EP funding. Recently, I chaired a hearing ture projects will remain just dreams. example, California is in the process of ern, sustainable Highway Trust Fund. that examined the long-term funding There is hope. In the last major testing “pay at the pump” technology to c i a l Se problems that have plagued our federal infrastructure bill, Congress had the allow users to pay the VMT as they go, Rep. Sam Graves, Missouri Repub- surface transportation programs. There foresight to invest and study innovative just as drivers are accustomed to now. lican, is Chairman of the House was a consensus among our witnesses funding solutions, including actively Similarly, Oregon has tested a variety Transportation and Infrastructure and committee members that address- testing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) of payment methods as part of the most Subcommittee on Highways and Tran- ing transportation funding is the most concepts. Federal and state govern- expansive study done to date. Concerns sit. Chairman Graves is running to important issue to solve and that a ments clearly see the trends and are about privacy are being taken seri- chair the House Transportation and long-term solution is critical to any preparing for the future. While there ously and there are plenty of options to Infrastructure Committee next year. INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON

Y T H E W Fix what we drive on to AR E D B

T P R EP drive our economy

connects East, West and South. In our jobs. Candidate Trump had extensively investment in rebuilding our roads, community, economic growth and jobs spoken on the issue and looked poised schools, water systems and rural broad- INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO are directly related to and dependent on to launch an aggressive initiative that all band capacity. our transportation infrastructure. sides could support. This investment will certainly have A S PE T H E W

| Unfortunately, we have ignored Unfortunately, his plan can best be long-term gains as our rebuilt infrastruc- infrastructure for too long leading to described as “puny.” Instead of attack- ture will drive economic growth for a crumbling roads and bridges, gridlock ing the problem of dangerous roads and generation. It will also have the imme- and slowed economic growth. bridges, he’s offered unrealistic outlines, diate impact of creating more than 16 By Rep. Robin Kelly When it comes to repairing our slashed investments in his budgets million American jobs. roads, bridges and infrastructure, we and allowed timelines to be repeatedly After decades of neglect, now is the In Congress, I have the privilege and aren’t falling behind — we’ve already pushed back. time for Congress to boldly lead and honor of representing a district that fallen behind. This puts our economy, When the safety grade for America’s make major investments that will create truly lives up to Chicago’s nickname: health and national security at risk. bridges is a C+, now is not the time for jobs, grow our economy and ensure a The Crossroads of America. In the early days of the Trump weak leadership. safe commute for all. The 2nd Congressional District is administration, there was bipartisan Conversely, my Democratic col- In addition to Congress’ need to lead,

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday home to all six Class I railroads, a hope- hope for a bold infrastructure plan that leagues and I are pushing for a better it’s imperative that we provide certainty fully forthcoming third Chicago-area air- would rebuild our crumbling roads and deal to rebuild America. Our proposal 20 port and an advanced road network that bridges while creating good-paying would make an historic $1 trillion » see Kelly | C21 Infrastructure initiatives without revenue unrealistic

price tag on its infrastructure plan, then cut transportation in its proposed budget released right around the same time. The New Starts program, which helps states fund large transit projects, was cut and no money was devoted to new projects. Amtrak funding was also cut. The popular and effective Transpor- tation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program was elimi- nated. This program is an important funding source that helps communities modernize and rehabilitate their infrastructure. These cuts call into question the seriousness with which Mr. Trump is really taking infrastructure investment. What has become crystal clear is that By Rep. Michael E. Capuano the president does not believe the federal government has an essential role to n communities all over the coun- play in transportation. That $200 billion try, commuters put up with heavy the president symbolically puts on the traffic and aging transit systems table must be matched by over $1 trillion because they don’t really have a — yes, that’s right OVER $1 trillion — There is one funding suggestion that privately supported a 25-cent user fee choice. People need to get to work, from other, nonfederal sources. That is should be part of any transportation dis- increase, so at least in private he seems bring their children to day care or a daunting number. When you include cussion, but most people don’t want to to understand that nothing happens school, care for an aging parent or sim- Mr. Trump’s desire to eliminate the larg- talk about it — raising the gas tax. This without money.

Iply attend to a few errands. We all rely est programs that also have an impact revenue is dedicated to transportation Mr. Trump’s proposal is restart- A S PE on our infrastructure system even if we ing a long-stalled conversation about

don’t own a car or use public transporta- our aging infrastructure, but his plan C I A L R EPO tion. It impacts our economy and our There is one funding suggestion that should be part shouldn’t represent the final word. Let’s quality of life. It is a key component of of any transportation discussion, but most people have that robust debate. All revenue addressing inequality as well as creating don’t want to talk about it — raising the gas tax. ideas should be fully explored. Not all a level playing field for all Americans of them will work or make sense or T P R EP and a pathway to sustainability. Yet our This revenue is dedicated to transportation and have the political support to advance.

system suffers from neglect. has not been raised in more than two decades. If nothing is done on the revenue side, AR E D B A robust infrastructure initiative was our roads will continue to crumble, one of the first issues President Trump on the greatest number of people, the and has not been raised in more than and our trains will continue to break touted as he pledged to reach across logical conclusion is inescapable: In his two decades. In 1993, a regular-sized down. It was just over a decade ago that Y T H E W the aisle to work in a bipartisan fashion. view, the days when the federal govern- candy bar cost 50 cents. Today, consum- a bridge in Minnesota collapsed, killing

It has taken almost a year’s worth of ment played a pivotal role in ensuring ers will pay three times more for the 13 people and injuring many more. That INGTONASH TIME S Spe rumors and seeming false starts, but Mr. transportation equity are over. sweet treat. Everything associated with disaster shined a tragic light on the na- Trump finally released his infrastructure Mr. Trump does have some ideas infrastructure, from construction mate- tion’s transportation challenges, but not plan last month. Frankly, it is bewilder- that he believes would make money rials to labor costs, has gone up, but the enough progress has been made. ing why it took so long to put together for transportation. The administration federal funding mechanism for transpor- This is one issue that Democrats and this plan, which is really more of a rough suggests selling off federal assets such tation hasn’t been increased since 1993. Republicans should be able to agree on. draft. The proposal lacks substance and as the Baltimore-Washington Parkway Certainly, raising the gas tax is not offers few answers to key questions, in- in Maryland. Let’s leave aside the debate the only way to generate revenue, but it Rep. Michael E. Capuano, Massachusetts

cluding such basics as where the money over whether the idea itself makes sense. should be part of the discussion. Other Democrat, is the Ranking Member on the c i a l Se will come from to actually implement It won’t come close to generating the ideas include user fees, vehicle mile tolls House Transportation and Infrastructure the plan. revenue to fund Mr. Trump’s infrastruc- and rush hour travel fees. According to Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP The administration put a $200 billion ture plan. White House sources, Mr. Trump has Hazardous Materials. AR

A small community of a few hundred third airport. Decades ago, Chicago’s set up long-term success stories. It’s time TMENT K elly families simply cannot move forward two airports reached maximum capac- to take these programs from the draw- From page C20 with a project costing billions of dollars ity, something that anyone who has ing board and start putting them in the |

without a committed and willing federal experienced runway or landing delays ground. Thursday • March 22 • 2018 partner. This means that the current lack at Midway or O’Hare can attest to. The Rebuilding unsafe and crumbling to local, county and state governments of a federal initiative means that no jobs solution is a third airport, slated for the roads and bridges is and should be a that the federal government is a willing, are being created and that our roads and South Suburbs. bipartisan priority. It’s time for Congress engaged and active partner in infrastruc- bridges crumble a little more every day. In March of last year, Illinois took the to set the pace, show real leadership ture programs. This holds true as we move up the first step with a Request for Informa- and give state and local stakeholders the As someone who’s worked at every levels of government to the township, tion (RFI) proposal and multiple firms certainty to make big, bold investment level of government — village, county, county and state level. With many com- expressed interest. When we get this that will drive our economy forward for state and federal — I know that local munities still struggling after the Great project done, it will create and sustain generations. leaders cannot make the bold infra- Recession, an infusion of federal dollars nearly 10,000 jobs in my community. structure investments that are so greatly are vital to jumpstart needed projects This South Suburban Airport is just Rep. Robin Kelly represents Illinois’ 2nd needed without clarity from the federal that have been on the books, sometimes one of hundreds, if not thousands, of Congressional District. She is a co-chair government about what resources it’s for decades. good, shovel-ready projects that will of the Democratic Budget Group. willing to put on the table. A great example is Chicagoland’s create jobs, spur economic growth and 21 Energy infrastructure: Ensuring reliability, resiliency

focal point of the Energy and Commerce quality standards, and energy efficiency. Preparedness Act, which would require Committee’s work since the beginning of Several other solutions, like H.R. 3053, Energy Secretary Rick Perry to coordi- the 115th Congress. the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments nate between federal agencies, states, and Here at the committee, infrastructure Act, and H.R. 3387, the Drinking Water the energy sector to ensure the security, means more than roads and bridges; it System Improvement Act, have received resiliency and survivability of natural gas means examining solutions to expand, overwhelming bipartisan support in the pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines and improve and modernize our energy infra- committee. Additionally, the Commu- liquefied natural gas facilities. structure so that we can deliver energy to nications and Technology Subcommit- I’d also like to point out that thanks to consumers more safely, reliably and cost- tee reviewed 25 infrastructure bills at a our efforts on tax reform, several com- effectively. It’s a multifaceted approach legislative hearing back in January. panies have redirected their savings and to energy and the economy. It means While we’ve accomplished a great made additional investments in infra- focusing our efforts on the ways in which deal thus far, our efforts are far from over. structure and jobs. A more competitive we can deploy broadband internet access We will continue to explore additional regulatory environment is exactly what to all areas of the country regardless of legislative opportunities to modernize we intended when we worked on tax location. It means ensuring our pipeline our infrastructure. In fact, the Energy reform and I’m glad to see the benefits distribution system and grid are well Subcommittee recently held a legislative coming to fruition. By Rep. Greg Walden equipped to deal with both physical and hearing on four bipartisan bills aimed Here at the Energy and Commerce cyber threats. It means streamlining the at equipping the Department of Energy Committee we will continue to explore resident Trump recently approval and siting processes for new with the tools they need to address physi- all opportunities to get these solutions announced the framework pipeline and hydropower projects. It’s all cal energy emergencies and cybersecu- enacted into law while continuing to for his infrastructure plan about rolling back the impediments to rity threats. work with the administration as we and I applaud him for not economic growth while ensuring we’re An often-overlooked and important work towards our mutually exclusive only recognizing the need well equipped to handle the infrastruc- component to modernizing the nation’s goal of modernizing the nation’s energy to improve all facets of our ture demands of today and the future. energy infrastructure is recognizing the infrastructure. nation’s infrastructure but for also dem- To date, the Energy and Commerce increasingly interconnected nature of our TMENT onstrating the leadership needed to push Committee has held 48 infrastructure-re- energy systems and changing how we Rep. Greg Walden, Oregon Repub- AR P forward this major initiative. lated hearings, and we’ve had 24 energy prepare for and respond to emergencies lican, is Chairman of the House En- Knowing that the president cares infrastructure bills pass the House of that threaten the supply of energy. In fact, ergy and Commerce Committee. deeply about this issue and the opportu- Representatives addressing pipeline and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Fred nity for bipartisan progress, improving electric transmission lines infrastructure, Upton has recently introduced a bill, the c tionS D EP our nation’s infrastructure has been a hydropower licensing, Brownfields, air Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity c i a l Se A lesson in bipartisanship: Starting small on infrastructure to go big INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON

damaged. With a unified call for a robust, resource conservation and promote spur water and power development, with

Y T H E W stable and politically viable funding greater public access to recreational the goal of moving certain responsibilities mechanism to address the challenge, the activities through the Land and Water back to the states where they ultimately political will is there. Conservation Fund. What’s been miss- belong. Broader federal permitting AR E D B Earlier this month, Department of the ing, however, is a similar commitment to reforms must also be pursued; this is Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, through maintain and conserve these lands and essential to any successful infrastructure

T P R EP the administration’s FY 2019 budget facilities for future generations to enjoy. package. request to Congress, proposed reforms Secretary Zinke has been known to say The House, Senate and Trump admin- to aggressively tackle the $11.6 billion our public lands and national parks are istration are poised to create a stable and By Rep. Rob Bishop maintenance backlog crisis facing our currently “loved to death.” There is a deep reliable fund to help reduce the crippling INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO national parks. The proposal includes appreciation for our public lands, but maintenance backlog at the National Park Warmer months are just around the the creation of a fund utilizing revenues these popular destination areas simply Service and potentially other federal land A S PE T H E W

| corner, presenting an opportune time to from responsible development of renew- aren’t being maintained as they should. management agencies. The House Com- visit a national park — and millions of able and conventional sources of energy Real commitment to conservation means mittee on Natural Resources will do its Americans will do just that. But most vision federal lands onshore and offshore. prioritizing the care we afford to our part to set the stage for a viable solution. tors will be unaware that the parks they’re Shortly after, bipartisan members existing parks, not just calling to create The emerging bipartisan approach to visiting are buckling under a multibillion- advanced the proposal with legislation, more of them. solving our park deferred-maintenance dollar maintenance backlog, threatening H.R. 5210 in the House and S. 2509 in the As we work to improve stewardship problem can serve as a model for the the vitality of these national treasures — Senate. This week, the House Committee practices across federal land and resource rest of Congress, including action on a and hard-earned vacation dollars. on Natural Resources reviewed this bill, management agencies, we must also broader infrastructure package and more. To address this deteriorating infra- along with a similar bipartisan proposal, pursue “all-of-the-above” solutions to The snow is melting. The birds will structure, a bipartisan consensus has H.R. 2584, legislation designed to achieve address infrastructure and maintenance soon be chirping. Let’s get to work. emerged in the House, Senate and Trump similar goals. challenges dealing with water and power

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday administration. Swift action is essential For decades, revenues derived from development, especially in western states. Rep. Rob Bishop, Utah Republican, before Americans’ access to and enjoy- energy development on federal lands The president’s proposal includes bold is Chairman of the House Com- 22 ment of our national parks is further have been used to invest in land and ideas to invest in rural communities and mittee on Natural Resources. Water infrastructure expansion requires regulatory reform

transparent and held accountable to the Process for Infrastructure,” which high- This is why I crafted the Bureau of ratepayers. lights the need for reform. In addition, Reclamation Title Transfer Act, which The problem, however, is that the Congress has put forward proposals like seeks to streamline both the administra- current regulatory environment is a “one-stop-shop” permitting process to tive and congressional review for easy, broken. A host of burdensome, costly ensure greater agency coordination and noncontroversial transfers. We need to and sometimes conflicting federal certainty for developers looking to build think outside of the box to address the regulations and statutes has stifled new water projects. nation’s infrastructure needs and title development of new water and power At a time when many of Reclama- transfer is a win-win for both the federal infrastructure and has greatly impeded tion’s aging facilities depend on the government and water users. Further- the modernization of existing facilities. uncertain federal appropriations more, the Senate and Trump adminis- This “paralysis-by-analysis” approach process, the transfer of some Reclama- tration have put forward title transfer to permitting infrastructure is ripe for tion projects or portions of projects to a proposals and I look forward to working reform. The American people deserve local irrigation district can help address with them to get these reforms across nothing less. the needs of our nation’s aging infra- the finish line. Having a clean environment and structure. Transferring ownership from Access to a reliable supply of water is strong infrastructure are not mutually federal control to local ownership has a fundamental necessity for any and all exclusive. In fact, they go hand-in-hand. proven to be an effective way to allow economic development. An investment By Rep. Doug Lamborn To get the permit for a new water stor- locals to use their ownership to obtain in water infrastructure is an invest- age facility merely delays or endangers private financing to upgrade or repair ment in our nation’s economy, its health ur nation’s water and the ability to develop additional water their facilities. and its future. The magnitude of these power infrastructure is supplies for humans, fish, agriculture, Despite these benefits, there have benefits makes clear that water infra- vital to our economy, yet is recreation and a multitude of other been only 30 title transfers in the past structure must be a high priority in any

an often overlooked aspect activities. It’s disturbing that federal two decades. It should not take a decade serious infrastructure proposal Con- A S PE of the Western way of life. studies for new storage or hydropower and a full environmental analysis to gress considers.

Since its genesis in the relicensing processes continue on for study a transfer if the entity has paid C I A L R EPO Department of the Interior, the Bureau decades when we put a man on the for and already operates and maintains Rep. Doug Lamborn, Colorado Re- Oof Reclamation’s vision to construct moon in eight years. the facilities. Furthermore, pending publican, serves on the House Armed multipurpose surface storage water proj- I’m encouraged by President Trump’s title transfers shouldn’t have to sit in Services Committee and the House ects has transformed barren landscapes, Executive Order on “Establishing Congress for years waiting for authoriza- Natural Resources Committee, where T P R EP fostered one of the most productive agri- Discipline and Accountability in the tion once the administrative review is he is Chairman of the Subcommit-

cultural regions in the world and helped Environmental Review and Permitting complete. tee on Water, Power and Oceans. AR E D B communities thrive economically. In Colorado, where I am fortunate enough to live and represent the people Y T H E W of the 5th Congressional District, water

and power infrastructure is an indis- INGTONASH TIME S Spe pensable feature of daily life. As Chair- man of the Water, Power and Oceans Subcommittee in the House Natural Re- sources Committee, I am reminded daily of this fact. With primary jurisdiction over the Bureau of Reclamation and the four Power Marketing Administrations, the Subcommittee plays an important c i a l Se role in my congressional district. Many utilities and military installations receive THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP water and renewable, emissions-free hydropower from these federal water projects in my district. For generations, people through- AR

out the West have depended on these TMENT projects and they will continue to do so well into this century. Yet, many of these | types of facilities are aging and it is get- Thursday • March 22 • 2018 ting increasingly difficult to build new projects. Meanwhile, Western popula- tions continue to rise while the inven- tory of our nation’s infrastructure has remained largely stagnant. As such, we must address our nation’s infrastructure. People expect their water and electricity to be cheap and reliable, and rightfully so. In Congress, we must look at ways not to only build new water storage but also ensure that our existing water and power facilities are maintained and that federal agencies are 23 VIDA: Imperative for maritime commerce vessels operating in U.S. waters are regulation of ballast water and other and state prerogatives in interstate subject to a maze of some 150 regula- vessel discharges, with defined and ap- commerce, and between the compelling tions, imposed by two federal agencies propriate roles for the Coast Guard, EPA interests of safeguarding economic ef- (the Environmental Protection Agency and the states. ficiency and protecting the environment. (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard) and 25 Specifically, VIDA would provide It is a substantial policy achievement. states, governing ballast water and other vessel owners and mariners with a VIDA is not only eminently sensible discharges incidental to normal vessel predictable and transparent regulatory policy, it also enjoys bipartisan support operations. Each time a vessel crosses structure in which vessel incidental with a diverse array of cosponsors and state lines, a new set of requirements discharges are regulated by the Coast supporters from all parts of the country, may apply. These duplicative and some- Guard, and would ensure the highest in both the House and the Senate. It is times conflicting regulations threaten a standard of environmental protection supported by a broad-based national vessel owner’s ability to transport cargo for all U.S. waterways by requiring coalition including vessel owners, labor efficiently across state lines and create vessel owners to meet the ballast water unions, ports, shippers, and businesses uncertainty for owners trying to install discharge standard that EPA’s Science and organizations that rely on maritime technologies to comply with multiple Advisory Board and the National Acad- commerce to ensure their livelihoods requirements. This perversely delays in- emy of Sciences have deemed the most and their competitiveness. vestment in environmentally beneficial stringent currently available. It would In this election year most especially, By Thomas A. Allegretti discharge treatment technology! The also establish a mechanism to raise the it will not often be the case that legisla-

f every time a truck crossed state lines, that truck needed to install new equipment, or the driver had to follow different sets of confus- ing, conflicting and expensive regulations, would the fact that the road was in perfect condition cancel out Ithe high cost and inefficiency? Of course not. The federal regulatory framework that supports safe and efficient interstate TMENT commerce is as important as the physi- AR cal infrastructure in keeping our nation’s transportation system running. The same is true of maritime transportation, an interstate endeavor by c tionS D EP nature. As critical as it is to invest in upgrading and maintaining the locks, dams,

c i a l Se ports and harbors that comprise our waterways infrastructure, it is equally critical that the statutes and regulations governing waterborne commerce support high standards of both environmental protection and transportation efficiency by not forcing vessel operators to navigate an unworkable patchwork of INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON federal and state regulations. The stakes, both for the maritime

Y T H E W industry and for our nation, are high. According to a PricewaterhouseCoo- pers study released last summer by The AR E D B American Waterways Operators and the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Ameri-

T P R EP can tugboat, towboat and barge industry — a subset of the domestic maritime industry — supports over 300,000 jobs nationwide and annually transports more INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO than 760 million tons of vital commodities that drive our economy, including A S PE T H E W

| containerized products, steel, agricultural products, petroleum, coal and chemicals. The PwC study also documents that compared to other modes of transportation, tugboats, towboats and barges pose regulatory hodgepodge also creates sig- standard over time as technology im- tion comes along on which both sides the lowest risk to the public, have the nificant burdens on vessel crewmembers proves. VIDA also preserves the ability of the aisle agree, and that also happens smallest environmental footprint, and who are responsible for understanding of states to enforce the federal ballast to be the right policy for an industry on provide the most efficient mode of cargo and complying with differing require- water discharge standard, petition for which the United States truly depends. transport. For example, one inland dry ments on a daily basis. a higher standard, work with the Coast Congress owes it to the nation to seize cargo barge moves the same amount as 16 A statutory solution to resolve this Guard to develop best management this opportunity and pass VIDA now. rail cars or 70 tractor trailers. dysfunction is both urgently needed and practices, and regulate recreational ves-

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday Today, this vital industry is burdened readily available: The Vessel Incidental sels operating in their waters. Thomas A. Allegretti is President and by a dysfunctional regulatory system Discharge Act (VIDA) would establish In other words, this legislation strikes CEO of The American Waterways 24 that only Congress can fix. Commercial a uniform national framework for the a thoughtful balance between federal Operators. A Critical Industry. An Unworkable System. EVERY YEAR, all across America, the tugboat, towboat and barge industry transports over 760 million tons of vital commodities that help drive our nation’s economy. Today, doing that job means vessel operators and mariners must navigate through a complex, costly patchwork of… A S PE C I A L R EPO T P R EP

150 overlapping vessel AR E D B discharge regulations from... Y T H E W INGTONASH TIME S Spe 2 Federal Agencies and...

States. 25 c i a l Se THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP AR TMENT This broken system needs to be replaced with a | uniform, science-based, federal framework. Thursday • March 22 • 2018 Support the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act. Less Red Tape. More Efﬁciency. One High Environmental Standard.

The tugboat, towboat and barge Learn more at www.americanwaterways.com industry advocate since 1944 25 Century-old locks and dams require urgent upgrades

market opportunities. operate on the waterways. In 2014, delay, shippers will continue to deal Congress recognizes the importance this industry volunteered a 45 percent with hours of delays, leading to higher of the Upper Mississippi River and increase in the diesel tax they pay into costs for consumers once these prod- Illinois Waterway system, designating the trust fund. These users want to see ucts get to market. it a nationally significant ecosystem greater investment in this infrastruc- We cannot afford to kick the can and a nationally significant commercial ture, and so does Congress. down the road and let this situation navigation system. The Navigation Unfortunately, the past administra- worsen. Funding NESP will result in and Ecosystem Sustainability Program tion did not prioritize NESP. It has not both immediate and long-term benefits (NESP) allows the U.S. Army Corps of received the funding for preconstruc- to our communities and the nation that Engineers to integrate management of tion engineering and design since 2011. leads the world in agriculture exports. the river’s navigation system and eco- This is the first step in completing Other nations continue to invest in system. NESP positively impacts mul- these projects. Without appropriate their waterways and it’s imperative we tiple states; has the support of industry, funds, those necessary projects have do the same. Continuing to modernize labor and environmental interests; and been suspended. this system so it works today and so it enjoys wide bipartisan support. As President Trump has spoken works for future generations is critical In 2007, Congress authorized the about the lengthy permitting and to our nation’s success. construction of seven new 1,200-foot regulatory process for road construc- As Congress works together on a By Rep. Rodney Davis locks along the Upper Mississippi tion projects and the need for reform, bipartisan infrastructure plan in the River and the Illinois Waterway System the same can be said for our waterway coming months, it is my hope that hen we talk about through the NESP. Additionally, they projects. We need to get the bureau- not only will we focus on fixing our fixing the crumbling authorized habitat and floodplain res- cracy out of the way. The Army Corps road and bridges but also America’s infrastructure in our toration, shoreline protection and other of Engineers can spend a decade un- waterways. country, many think conservation projects. But as with most necessarily studying projects. More about our roads things in Washington, the question oversight is needed to ensure these Rep. Rodney Davis, Illinois Republican, and bridges, which becomes how do we pay for it? projects are getting to construction serves on the House Transportation and TMENT absolutely need our attention and in- A significant portion of the fund- faster. The longer we delay, the more Infrastructure Committee and the House AR Wvestment. But one of the lesser-known ing for these projects comes from the costly it becomes to complete projects Agriculture Committee, where he is Chair- issues with our nation’s infrastructure Inland Waterways Trust Fund, which and the more taxpayer dollars are man of the Subcommittee on Biotechnol- involves our vast network of rivers and is funded by fees paid by those who wasted. And as long as we continue to ogy, Horticulture and Research. waterways used to transport commodi- c tionS D EP ties across the country. Locks and dams on our inland wa-

c i a l Se terways play an essential role in moving products produced in my district. The 13th Congressional District of Il- linois is settled in the west, central part of the state, nestled up against where the Illinois River flows into the mighty Mississippi River. In the mostly rural area, this loca- INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON tion is key to the biggest economic driver of our region — agriculture. The

Y T H E W same can be said of many congressional districts across the country. The United States leads the world in AR E D B agricultural exports. In 2015, our ag exports totaled $133 billion, with the lead-

T P R EP ing products being grains, feeds and soybeans. Eighty-one percent of those exports are waterborne and 60 percent move by barge along our inland INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO waterways. Locks and dams are used by barges to carry commodities up and A S PE T H E W

| down rivers so they can be delivered to market or sent overseas. Unfortu- nately, many of these locks, including La Grange in Versailles and the Peoria Lock and Dam in Illinois, are almost 100 years old and are literally crumbling — leading to significant delays and increased maintenance costs. Just one lock closure shuts down the entire system and these closures have increased 700 percent over the

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday last decade. All consumers rely on this Rep. Rodney Davis, Illinois Republican, viewed the Melvin Price Locks and Dam near Alton, Ill., with Col. Anthony Mitchell, a senior officer system and these challenges hinder the of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in 2016. This structure was completed in 1994, but many locks and dams along the Mississippi and 26 nation’s competitiveness and reduce Illinois Rivers are very old and prone to breakdowns. Photo courtesy of Rep. Rodney Davis. The insolvency of inland waterways A S PE C I A L R EPO of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases fallen short when it comes to keeping users of the waterways (through a Trust a detailed report on the state of our up our water highways, we have put Fund). The ASCE reports that “opera- country’s infrastructure. They break ourselves in a position to experience tion and maintenance costs for inland

down each area and apply a grade based economic struggles. The ASCE reported waterways are covered in full by the T P R EP on a number of factors. According to that 49 percent of vessels that traveled Federal Government.”

their 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, on our inland waterways to transport As for the waterways user Trust AR E D B the United States has over 25,000 miles goods experienced delays. These delays Fund, it is supported by a “29 cents per of inland waterways and 239 locks. The lasted, on average, 121 minutes. gallon tax on barge fuel, and cannot inland waterways provide navigable exceed expenditures in a given year. In Y T H E W routes through 38 states and connect to Efficiency of inland waterways April 2015, this user tax was increased by

both inland and ocean ports, assuring Why do efficient waterways matter? 9 cents for the first time since 1995 upon INGTONASH TIME S Spe direct access to and from international Not only do they transport 14 percent the urging of the Inland Waterways markets. With this massive “water high- of all domestic freight, but it is signifi- Users Board, in order to increase invest- way” at our fingertips, we have failed to cantly more efficient to move goods on ment in the system.” maintain the aging infrastructure, result- the inland waterways than by truck or Federal government funds and a ing in a “D” letter grade in the report. train. The Tennessee Valley Authority user Trust Fund have proven not to be Currently, the inland waterways are conducted a study that revealed that enough. It is time we look into other By Howard P. “Buck” McKeon managed by the U.S. Army Corps of moving cargo through the inland water- financing options. Public and private

Engineers (USACE). Over a half mil- ways saves an estimated $10.67 per ton in partnerships have worked in the past, c i a l Se e have seen the crum- lion people are in one way or another comparison to other shipping methods. and I believe it could be the solution bling bridges, down- employed through the use of our inland Meaning the U.S. economy saves $7 to the problems that face our current THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP trodden roads and waterways. More than 600 million tons billion each year transporting cargo inland waterways. declining railway sys- of cargo (worth an estimated $229 bil- through these rivers. Our inland waterways are an invalu- tems. It is no secret lion) are transported annually through able resource to our economy and have that our infrastruc- these “highways,” which amounts to 14 Financial problems and solution been overlooked for decades. It is time AR

ture is both outdated and underfunded. percent of all our domestic freight. With hundreds of billions of dol- to change that and find a new way to TMENT WPresident Trump drew attention to these lars worth of goods being transported finance the maintenance and repair costs deficiencies during his campaign, and Problems facing our inland waterways through the inland waterways and bil- necessary to ensure our inland water- | those on both sides of the aisle agree — Despite employing a large number lions of dollars in transportation savings, ways flourish. Thursday • March 22 • 2018 we have to do something about the state of Americans and providing an effi- it is crucial we take the necessary steps of the failing infrastructure in the United cient way to transport cargo, the inland to ensure our waterways remain cost- Howard P. “Buck” McKeon represented States. waterways have been neglected. Locks effective and timely. the people of the 25th Congressional I believe there needs to be more of a and dams were put in place to ensure While there have been efforts to District of California in the U.S. House of focus on building and maintaining our efficient transportation, but they have improve certain aspects of our inland Representatives for 22 years and served nation’s bridges, roads and railways. We far surpassed their “design life.” We have waterways, we have not been consistent as both the Chairman of the House are past due when it comes to mainte- eclipsed their 50-year operational time in these efforts. The USACE estimates Armed Services Committee and Chair- nance and development projects, but we limit as some locks are 70-80 years old. “overall investment needs of $4.9 billion man of the House Education and the must not overlook an important part of As the list of deferred-maintenance over the next 20 years.” Workforce Committee. Today, he is the infrastructure: our inland waterways. projects grows, so too does the chal- Currently, both inland waterways CEO of McKeon Group, a consulting firm lenge to provide the necessary taxpayer construction and repair costs are shared that provides strategic analysis, public Purpose and size of inland waterways investment to improve, or even sustain, by the federal government (through the relations, advocacy and comprehensive Each year, the American Society our inland waterways. Since we have Inland Waterways Trust Fund) and by government relations for their clients. 27 Broadband: The infrastructure challenge of our generation

don’t have the same access. I’ve talked to of Montana and Cory Gardner of Colo- that included an additional $20 billion for a student who had to hold his phone up rado on bipartisan legislation to develop infrastructure improvements, and I will to a window in his home to try to down- a common form for applications and be working to direct some of this funding load the information he needed to do his establish a clear point of contact within to rural broadband deployment. And homework. And I’ve met with farmers federal agencies. in 2015, we passed the Fixing America’s who aren’t able to utilize technology I’ve also worked with Sen. Deb Surface Transportation Act, a bipartisan like precision agriculture to keep their Fischer of Nebraska to provide incen- bill that increased transportation funding businesses competitive. One even had tives for wireless carriers to lease unused and helped provide certainty to local to bring his computer to a McDonald’s spectrum to rural or smaller carriers. governments planning critical projects parking lot just to find a reliable internet Encouraging this type of collaboration across the country. connection. That’s unacceptable in 2018. between companies can help bridge Dedicated, stand-alone funding for The White House recently released service gaps in rural areas. Policies like broadband needs to be in any infrastruc- its infrastructure plan, and while I’m these cut unnecessary red tape and speed ture proposal to ensure telecommunica- glad to see this issue getting attention, I up the deployment process to provide tions infrastructure is prioritized along- was disappointed that the proposal did internet access to unserved and rural side needed upgrades to our roads, rail, not contain any dedicated, stand-alone communities as quickly and efficiently as waterways and bridges. Boosting current By Sen. Amy Klobuchar funding for expanding rural broad- possible. investments in broadband and streamlin- band. To ensure broadband is available There is strong bipartisan support ing the deployment process will create ccess to high-speed everywhere will not only require strong for including broadband funding in an jobs, open new doors for the communi- broadband is no longer a federal support, but it will also require infrastructure package. And it makes ties we connect, and improve the health privilege in 21st century policies that streamline the deployment sense — in communities that do have and safety of all Americans. America — it’s a necessity. process to ensure that broadband is built access to broadband, we’ve seen life- In the 1930s, we worked to bring Americans should be able in rural areas that have been left behind. changing results. Instead of spending electricity and telephone service to every to find a good job, launch The Federal Highway Administration hours traveling by car, people who need home in America. Today, expanding a new business, or take college classes estimates that 90 percent of the cost of to see a doctor can now head to the local broadband access is the infrastructure TMENT regardless of where they live. But in deploying broadband consists of digging clinic and, with the click of a mouse, find challenge of our generation, and we AR A the United States, nearly 40 percent of up and replacing the road. This means themselves face-to-face with specialists cannot quit our push for affordable, reli- rural Americans lack access to high- that it is 10 times more expensive to in- from around the state — like a clinic in able, high-speed broadband until it’s in speed broadband. That means a serious stall broadband conduit alone instead of Virginia, Minnesota, which has begun every corner — and the middle — of our infrastructure plan for the 21st century installing it along with road repairs. We connecting patients with health services country. c tionS D EP is not complete without addressing the can make broadband deployment easier through the internet. broadband connectivity issues facing our by encouraging coordination between As we consider legislation to improve Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Democrat, c i a l Se country. state departments of transportation and our nation’s infrastructure, I will con- is Ranking Member of the Senate Rules I go to all 87 counties in Minnesota broadband providers during construction tinue to push for stand-alone funding for and Administration Committee. She also every year, and I’ve seen firsthand the projects so they only have to “dig once.” broadband. I know we can work across serves on the Senate Commerce, Science benefits that broadband has delivered to We can also simplify the often slow the aisle to get something done because and Transportation Committee; Senate communities across the state as well as and redundant federal permitting pro- we’ve done it before. Just last month, we Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Com- the challenges faced by rural areas that cess. I’ve worked with Sens. Steve Daines passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 mittee; and Senate Judiciary Committee. INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON

Y T H E W A blueprint for strategic infrastructure investment

AR E D B economy has the capacity to aston- our love of country with our obligation its waterworks, and Washington, D.C., ish in terms of increased productivity. to the future. doesn’t need to own its transit system

T P R EP Think of 5G networks; smart cities; The outline of the infrastructure (or its rail cars). Tactical sales of the seamless, driverless vehicle clusters; plan released by the Trump administra- $6 trillion to $7 trillion in capital assets and the explosion of new jobs that en- tion goes a good way in recognizing controlled by the public sector (86 trepreneurs would create around these these facts — and admits at the same percent owned by states and munici- INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO investments. time that there are not enough federal palities) should pay for upgrading our What is the key to reaching out and dollars to address these increasingly old infrastructure and for investing in A S PE T H E W

| creating that future, driving growth urgent strategic priorities. new, imaginative and transformative and sustaining new opportunities? We We need to get moving by answer- projects. must urgently identify strategic infra- ing three questions: The remaining $50 billion in annual structure projects and make invest- First, how do we create new sources investment will come from more direct ments as quickly as possible in these of investment in our strategic infra- private investment — public/private projects — highlighting that invest- structure? For the U.S. to double our partnerships, performance contracts, ment as a national security priority. infrastructure investment — add long-term leases. These investments There is no Republican or Demo- another $150 billion a year for 10 years will prioritize areas in which new tech- cratic infrastructure. There is only — the answer is straightforward. nology is transformative in terms of By Norman Anderson the past (“doing things the way we’ve As much as two-thirds of the total, the user experience: transit and water always done them”) and the future — or $100 billion, must come from states, systems, public lighting and hospitals,

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday Our country is at an inflection point, having the courage and will to change municipalities and federal agencies and land value capture (think of the a time of enormous technological the infrastructure business model and shedding or recycling their assets. De- 28 and economic potential in which the create budgetary channels that match troit doesn’t need to own and operate » see ANDERSON | C29 Putting rural Americans first

internet, many of them still have dial- finally have a 21st century internet that of the Federal Communications Com- up connections. Because of this, in the fits with our 21st century economy. mission in nearly 30 years. We’re also evening, families are forced to load the Removing barriers and streamlining finally reimbursing broadcasters for kids into the van and head into town processes will have a direct impact on the relocation costs for full power, just to get to a parking lot with a Wi-Fi the quality of Americans’ lives. It will translator, low-power and radio sta- signal. be easier than ever to run your own tions. By honoring our commitment On the House Committee on En- small business from home, interact from the incentive auction, we are ergy and Commerce, we’ve made great with your doctor remotely or enroll in ensuring consumers are not disenfran- strides to close the digital divide and continuing education programs that chised during this transition, which increase the expansion of broadband will help Americans succeed in this will set the stage for future auctions. nationwide. The Communications diverse and competitive marketplace. Last, but certainly not least, we also and Technology Subcommittee, which While much of our legislation included several important provisions I chair, has been working hard on a focuses on improving or expanding of Sen. John Thune’s MOBILE NOW large broadband infrastructure pack- existing networks, we have also intro- Act, which will free up more spectrum age. We included five resolutions that duced bills that will help communities and help us win the race to 5G. We are outline our principles for broadband rebuild after natural disasters. In the very eager for the Senate to act on this By Rep. Marsha Blackburn expansion and around two dozen sepa- wake of the incredible destruction in bill and send it to the president. rate pieces of legislation introduced by communities across our great nation, If this year has proven anything, it’s any of you are prob- Democrats and Republicans. it’s become increasingly apparent that we’re committed to action. The ably reading this from It is essential that we continue that we need to do whatever we can time for rural Americans to be forced a tablet or a phone. to find ways to increase access to to give our first responders the tools into complacency because there isn’t Using Wi-Fi or high- broadband. We’re on a mission to they need. We’re removing unneces- a “business case” for high-speed inter- speed internet has lower barriers to deployment that will sary barriers that would ordinarily net to be brought out to them is over. become a common allow for new technologies to reach slow down the response after a major I appreciate the support of my fellow part of your day. Just imagine how you more sparsely populated areas in a disaster or emergency. committee members on these critical

Mwould feel or how you would func- significantly shorter time frame. To When Chairman Greg Walden issues and I will remain committed to A S PE tion if you didn’t have this access. accomplish this, we have taken a tech- handed me the gavel last year, I told closing the digital divide for as long as

You would be unable to quickly scroll nologically neutral approach that will him that we were going to do big I am in Congress. C I A L R EPO through the latest news, stream a allow for greater flexibility in address- things together. Recently, the House lecture in real time or even listen to ing the unique geographic challenges of Representatives passed one of the Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee a podcast. How would you react? Do states face. It shouldn’t matter whether most significant pieces of telecommu- Republican, is Chairman of the House

you take for granted that you touch you’re getting your internet via satel- nications legislation of my lifetime — Energy and Commerce Subcommittee T P R EP a screen and the world is at your lite, fiber or fixed wireless so long as RAY BAUM’S Act. This landmark leg- on Communications and Technology.

fingertips? Thirty-nine percent of rural you are getting the service that you islation, named after the Committee’s AR E D B Americans do not know that luxury. need. recently passed staff director, includes Not only do they not have high-speed If we can accomplish this, we can the first Congressional reauthorization Y T H E W INGTONASH TIME S Spe So “who does what?” is critical — miles of red tape. Skin in the game matters. We need to ANDERSON and smartly summed up in what an en- Ownership drives accountability, tell our public officials that we want From page C28 lightened public official once told me, which drives performance, and we ownership. pointing at a half-filled glass of water: have too little of all three. As the CEO So why is this relevant? If we “Before, we prescribed to the private of a large city transit system (one answer these questions with boldness real estate and air rights controlled by sector everything about that glass, in- of the many unsung heroes of U.S. and creativity we will start an infra- Amtrak). cluding the type, thickness, conditions, infrastructure) told me when pointing structure revolution in our country,

Second, how can we modernize etc. Now we just tell them what it has out a new ticketing system: “Because one that will double our level of infra- c i a l Se the roles of the public and private to do; we tell them the performance of public procurement, the best I can structure investment, consistently add sectors to enable that investment? metrics and then enforce that.” do is buy 3-year-old technology; the a point to our GDP, create enormous THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP There is almost a textbook answer The public sector prescribes and company almost couldn’t supply the opportunities for all of us, and symbol- from the “thinking fast, thinking slow” enforces; the private sector does. Every technology since they don’t make it ize for our citizens — and for the world paradigm. single year for the 30 to 40 years of a anymore.” — the enormous power of optimism The public sector makes the best project’s life, a new generation of tech- Who should own our infrastructure? that honoring our obligation to the AR

decisions about long-term performance nology will be available. The public We should. There are three new chan- future creates in all of us. What are we TMENT — including how that is priced, what sector will have to be fleet in gathering nels that we need to build for private waiting for? we get, and the speed and reliability of and organizing performance informa- infrastructure investment to take off: |

enforcement of agreements. A smart, tion while the private sector will need (1) for pension funds, including union Norman F. Anderson is the Founder Thursday • March 22 • 2018 competent and strategic public sector to constantly make the investments pension funds, investments mirroring and CEO of CG/LA Infrastructure, is critical. “Thinking fast” is what the required to improve performance and the life cycle and return profiles of the a global infrastructure strategy firm. private sector does best, especially efficiency of operation. assets; (2) for engineering/construc- He also founded Blueprint 2025, a technology, the new player on the in- Third, who should own our infra- tion and infrastructure management 100 CEO initiative to build the next frastructure block. The infrastructure structure? This is a high-level issue firms, since ownership of assets will generation of U.S. infrastructure. He universe of the future will look nothing that is not settled and the answer enable these firms to deepen their is a member of the BuildCoin Foun- like our parent’s universe. It will be transforms infrastructure into an op- balance sheets, invest robustly and dation advisory board and a regular different in everything from the design portunity for all of us. Right now, we innovate aggressively; and (3) perhaps contributor to CNBC, Bloomberg of projects we prioritize (getting health think we own our infrastructure, but most interesting of all, for retail inves- and Fox Business News. Follow him and mobility right, creating opportuni- it’s actually owned by what might be tors — you and me — should be able on Twitter @anderson_norman. ties) to who owns projects (you and called the “cold hand” of a public trust to directly acquire assets like the I-495 me) to the overall driver of innovation managed by professionals who are managed-lanes project in Virginia (the user experience). starved of resources and hamstrung by or LaGuardia Airport in New York. 29 Infrastructure needs are not limited to the ground

calling for only $200 billion in federal Improvement Program (AIP) and invest- projects. funds. Instead, their proposal shifts the ing in the FAA’s research and develop- As infrastructure advances, these cost burden to local taxpayers, like the ment activities. Unfortunately, airport needs will rely on new technology. In residents of Washington’s 2nd Congres- capital needs significantly exceed avail- aerospace, that will include the safe and sional District. The plan prioritizes the able funding. The FAA estimates over efficient integration of drones into the ability of localities to raise private capi- the next five years, airports will need national airspace. The FAA estimates tal, rather than improve safety or remedy $32.5 billion for AIP-eligible airport capi- the use of small hobbyist drones will essential infrastructure needs. tal projects alone. Congress has fallen triple in size to more than 3.5 million A comprehensive solution must short here, providing only $3.35 billion and commercial drones will grow nearly preserve the important role federal in AIP funding annually. The presi- tenfold to approximately 450,000 by resources play in modernizing infra- dent’s recent budget exacerbates this by 2021. The federal government will be structure in the sky. Aviation is vital slashing $173.7 million for critical FAA a key partner with industry and states to economies throughout the Pacific programs, including a $100.9 million cut on efforts to advance drone innovation. Northwest and across the country, and for research and development and elimi- However, Congress needs to enact and the federal government must continue to nating the Essential Air Service. maintain safeguards to reduce the risk fund programs that support and enhance While the nation’s aviation system is that a drone may one day collide with a By Rep. Rick Larsen the system accordingly. the safest it has ever been, we need to conventional aircraft. General aviation contributes more maintain federal investment in avia- Any plan to address the nation’s ou can’t have big league than $150 billion annually to the nation’s tion infrastructure, not cut funds. The infrastructure challenges cannot do so economy with little league economic output and employs more president’s budget rolls back efforts to without focusing on building the next infrastructure. Repairing than 1 million people. In Washington enhance safety by cutting $26.5 million generation workforce. I am pleased the and maintaining the na- state, this includes $3.6 billion and more from the FAA’s safety oversight activities. administration’s plan recognizes the im- tion’s roads, bridges, high- than 30,000 jobs. Business aviation also This is why a long-term FAA reauthori- portance of Pell grants, apprenticeships ways and transit systems helps small and medium-sized busi- zation is so important. and Perkins Career and Technical Edu- puts Americans to work, keeps people nesses thrive by contributing $219 billion For instance, the Federal Contract cation, which make education affordable andY goods moving safely and grows the to the economy and creating another 1 Tower program provides air traffic ser- for thousands of students in my district economy. million jobs. vices at 254 airports nationwide, seven who will one day perform these critical Often, many forget infrastructure is This is why long-term reauthoriza- of which are in Washington state. Many jobs. Congress must continue to work in not just limited to the surface; it is also tion of the Federal Aviation Adminis- of the airports served by contract towers a bipartisan way to invest in the nation’s TMENT up in the air. tration (FAA) is so important. Reliable nationwide would lose them if funding young people. AR Last year, the United States received federal funds and oversight ensures ends. For many towers in the program, The administration must remember a D+ grade on infrastructure from the rural airports are not shuttered, small the safety benefits outweigh the costs. that they can’t stay grounded when it American Society of Civil Engineers. If communities can access air service and FAA reauthorization also sup- comes to infrastructure. The reality is my son in college came home with a D+ the aviation system upholds safety stan- ports NextGen implementation like that the sky is the limit. I am proud of c tionS D EP in his calculus class, he would be in big dards. The House of Representatives is improved surface operations as well Washington state’s investment in avia- trouble. Washington state alone needs working on a bipartisan, long-term plan as flight routes and procedures. These tion. Federal investment on the ground c i a l Se over $190 billion in infrastructure invest- that addresses aviation infrastructure improvements allow for more efficient and in the sky is critical to fostering eco- ments, with aviation requiring $12.6 and security to keep America’s aviation movement of more people, more flights nomic growth and putting folks to work. billion in investment. economy strong. and more cargo. However, the presi- Addressing these critical needs Congress has long recognized the dent’s budget jeopardizes this progress Rep. Rick Larsen, Washington Demo- will require robust federal funding. importance of the federal role to invest by cutting $69 million from the FAA’s crat, is Ranking Member of the House In this way, President Trump’s phan- in our aviation infrastructure. That facilities and equipment account, which Transportation and Infrastruc- tom infrastructure plan struck out by role includes administering the Airport funds NextGen airspace modernization ture Subcommittee on Aviation. INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON

Y T H E W Time to rethink how we fund highways AR E D B proposal failed to provide further details allowing the user fee to be higher during spending plans by $138 billion over the

T P R EP on how it would be funded, though the rush-hour drive times would have the next 10 years. president reportedly supports increas- added benefit of reducing the costly con- States also use fuel taxes to fund their ing federal gasoline and diesel taxes by gestion problems plaguing many cities. share of highway maintenance and con- 25 cents per gallon. The U.S. Chamber of When you look past the traditional struction. The Tax Foundation reports INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO Commerce and the American Trucking aversion that most of us have to the idea that these taxes, along with vehicle-reg- Association also support raising fuel of tolls, you’ll start to see that a VMT istration fees, cover a little more than 40 A S PE T H E W

| taxes. is far and away a better choice for our percent of state highway expenditures. However, given improvements in needs than fuel taxes. Sales taxes and general revenues fund vehicle fuel economy, fuel taxes are not Federal expenditures on highway and the remainder. likely to be sufficient to fund our current transit systems have traditionally been Given future improvements in vehicle commitments, much less additional funded mostly by fuel taxes. However, fuel economy and the increase in elec- By Dr. Robert Krol spending in the future. A far better idea since 2008, revenues from these taxes tric vehicles, the fuel tax will have a hard is to replace the fuel tax with a Vehicle have fallen short of total transportation time providing the revenues needed to In February, the Trump administra- Miles Traveled (VMT) user fee. outlays, requiring Congress to transfer fund highway maintenance and improve- tion laid out its proposal for expanding A different presidential update, the nearly $144 billion in taxpayer dollars ments. Reform is needed. infrastructure investment in America. 2018 “Economic Report of the President,” from the Treasury to make up the dif- With a VMT user fee, those drivers The plan calls for $200 billion in seed spells out how shifting to a VMT user ference. This shortfall is expected to who use highways the most pay more to

Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday money to support $1.5 trillion in state, fee would provide a sustainable source continue: The Congressional Budget fund maintenance and improvements. local and private infrastructure in- of revenue for funding highway invest- Office projects fuel taxes will come up 30 vestment over the next 10 years. The ment spending. It also suggests that short in funding future transportation » see KROL | C31 America’s counties build infrastructure commerce and trade, has experts See the report and other examples of partnership resulted in delivering it in predicting an increase in freight move- counties’ infrastructure leadership at record time. ments by more than 40 percent by the www.NACo.org/CountiesBuild. Not all projects proceed so year 2040. The NACo report examines the smoothly. Designing, approving and To support all this, counties invest challenges counties face in changing constructing infrastructure can occur more than $122 billion annually in demographics, relationships with state along staggering timelines. Five road building infrastructure and maintain- and federal governments, and funding projects in one Midwest county were ing and operating public works. We projects. And just as President Trump’s delayed for more than two years due own more than 38 percent of America’s infrastructure plan calls for innovative to the federal permitting process. And bridges and build and maintain 46 financing and community partnerships, time is money. The county conserva- percent of public roads. We are also the NACo report showcases some best tively estimated that the delay costs involved in a third of the nation’s practices for how counties are pursu- amounted to half a million dollars. airports and support 78 percent of ing these approaches. Stories like this abound when you all public transportation systems. For example, Montgomery County, speak with infrastructure experts, Recognizing our vast role in building Maryland, partnered with a private de- especially those on the ground at the foundations for our economy, we veloper to replace a community facility the county level. That is why we are welcome a renewed focus on upgrad- that serves the county’s low-income particularly pleased to see President ing our nation’s infrastructure. and homeless population — at no Trump’s interest in to streamlining the By Matthew Chase Building and maintaining reliable cost to taxpayers. The facility, called permitting process and reducing un- infrastructure necessitates dedicated Progress Place, provides a variety of necessary regulatory hurdles. few weeks ago, we were investments and reliable partnerships. services, including food, medical ser- Much is at stake in the national con- honored to host U.S. In recent decades, projects have been vices and shelter. versation on infrastructure. As leaders Transportation Secretary at the county level, we want strong Elaine L. Chao at the local economies for our residents and National Association of We own more than 38 percent of America’s bridges healthy business environments that Counties (NACo) Leg- and build and maintain 46 percent of public roads. can compete. We know how to make it islative Conference in Washington, We are also involved in a third of the nation’s airports happen. It’s what county leaders have A S PE D.C.A She discussed President Donald done for decades, in the face of grow- Trump’s infrastructure plan with an and support 78 percent of all public transportation ing constraints. But we recognize that C I A L R EPO audience of nearly 2,000 elected and systems. Recognizing our vast role in building the more needs to be done. appointed county officials. The room foundations for our economy, we welcome a renewed To build upon our efforts and to reflected the nation’s diversity — with seize this unique opportunity, we need attendees from Valley County, Idaho focus on upgrading our nation’s infrastructure. a reliable federal partner to invest T P R EP (population 10,000) to attendees from in our communities and streamline

Los Angeles County (population 10 challenged by federal and state budget In 2011, Montgomery County issued processes that inhibit our progress. AR E D B million). Across this diverse landscape, uncertainty and ever-growing state a call to private developers interested Transformational improvements to counties are eager for a continued and federal mandates on local govern- in building a new Progress Place on America’s infrastructure have always conversation about how we build for ments. States also limit the amount of nearby county-owned property at been the result of strong federal-state- Y T H E W the future. revenue counties can generate. At the little-to-no cost to the county. The local partnerships. We stand ready

Infrastructure has played a vital same time, construction costs continue location of the new building was an to work with the administration and INGTONASH TIME S Spe role in moving the people and goods to rise above inflation. underutilized surface parking lot Congress — along with other public, that keep our country growing — from In the face of these challenges, behind a county-owned fire station, private and nonprofit sector allies — to canals to railroads to our pioneer- county leaders use every tool at our which meant new land did not have to reinvest in our communities. ing interstate system. Yet, when we disposal to fund and finance infra- be procured. In exchange, the devel- started building the federal interstate structure projects for our residents. To oper would receive the title to the Matthew Chase is Executive Director system in the 1950s, the U.S. population help move the dialogue forward, NACo plot where the previous building was of the National Association of Coun- was only 158 million. We’ve doubled recently released a report, “Investing located and the opportunity to develop ties. Join the conversation by visiting in population to 325 million today, in America’s Infrastructure,” that show- the former site. www.NACo.org/CountiesBuild. You c i a l Se with projections to add another 75 cases how counties have implemented The county and private developer can follow NACo @NACoTweets and million people by 2050. This popula- novel strategies and financial solutions collaborated in the design and con- Matthew Chase @MchaseNACo. THE WASHINGTON TIMES c tion s D EP tion growth, combined with global to deliver much-needed infrastructure. struction of the new facility, and this AR

and improvements, improving highway include the value of reductions in pol- to fund highway investment. It also TMENT KROL quality. lution, congestion and accidents minus provides a more efficient way to manage From page C30 A number of states have tested VMT what drivers pay in VMT fees. Econo- highway congestion and information |

programs. Oregon, Washington and Cali- mists Ashley Langer, Vikram Maheshri that can guide transportation planners in Thursday • March 22 • 2018 fornia pilot programs have shown that and Clifford Winston have recently choosing infrastructure investments that This type of a user fee is similar to how VMT programs are feasible. A group of published a paper that makes just such have the most value to drivers. As Con- we pay for electricity and water. states in the Northeast have applied for a comparison, taking into account an- gress and the president move forward on With Americans driving more than federal grants to see how it would work ticipated improvements in fuel economy a new infrastructure plan, they should ever, a VMT user fee would provide on I-95 in a multistate setting. Switzer- and setting the VMT higher in urban consider the relative merits of introduc- the necessary funds. While the admin- land and Germany are using a VMT user areas. They found that switching to a ing a VMT user fee. istrative costs are higher, the benefits fee for truck traffic on highways in their VMT (while maintaining spending at of a sustainable source of funds, as countries. levels consistent with the 2015 transpor- Robert Krol, Ph.D., is a professor of well as the time and money saved by It’s especially useful to compare the tation bill) would generate $1.6 billion economics at California State Univer- reducing congestion through variable net benefits of a VMT user fee with — or 20 percent more — in net benefits sity, Northridge, and a senior affili- systems, dwarf the costs. Even areas those of fuel taxes, as they are the two compared to a fuel tax-based system. ated scholar at the Mercatus Center at without congestion will have a sustain- primary options that can be used to fund A VMT user fee, adjusted for urban George Mason University in Virginia. able revenue source for maintenance highway investment. These net benefits congestion, offers a sustainable option 31 America’s Infrastructure TMENT AR Must Be American-Made Buy America reinvests taxpayer dollars c tionS D EP into American workers and communities c i a l Se

INGTON TIME S Spe ASH INGTON www.americanmanufacturing.org Y T H E W AR E D B T P R EP INGTON TIME S ASH INGTON C I A L R EPO A S PE T H E W

| Thursday • March 22 • 2018 • March Thursday 32