Issue Position: Transportation - TEA-3 Highway Reauthorization Bill

Issue Position

Because of the geographical size of the State of Idaho, it takes a large amount of money to maintain the state's current roadways and to construct new roads and highways. Because of the cost to the individual states, it is important for the federal government to authorize and appropriate money to maintain the federal highway system. By providing funding to the states for maintenance of federal roads, it allows the states to allocate more of its own revenues towards the upkeep and construction of state roads.

During the 108th Congress, Congress will be reauthorizing the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21). TEA 21 authorized more than $218 billion for our Nation's highway, transit, motor carrier, safety, and research programs. The investment Congress will be making by this reauthorization will allow people and freight to move more safely and efficiently as well as reduce traffic congestion, improve the environment, and increase economic productivity.

I am currently engaged with my colleagues in Congress to ensure Idaho's, as well as the rest of the nation's, transportation needs are met. While there is some measure of disagreement as to how the increase in reauthorization levels will be funded I am confident Congress will find a solution that will allow those traveling our nation's roadways to travel

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