Hoeven: House on Track to Pass Six-Year Highway Bill in Coming Weeks, Senate Passed Measure in July

Press Release

Senator John Hoeven today outlined the Senate's new six-year highway bill at the North Dakota Association of Counties' ( NDACo) Annual Conference & Expo and told members that the House is close to passing a similar version in the next few weeks. The federal transportation measure will provide North Dakota with more than $1.6 billion. Hoeven said the formula is favorable to North Dakota and increases highway funding for the state to $270 million, about $30 million a year more than it now receives. The bill also includes two measures introduced by Hoeven: the Driver Privacy Act and the Distracted Driving Act, which he led with Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

The Senate in July passed its bipartisan, six-year highway bill, as well as a 90-day, short-term House measure that extended highway funding until October 29 while the House worked to finalize its own long-term bill. Last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a bipartisan six-year highway authorization measure, clearing the way for a House vote. The two bills are close, but another short-term extension of a few weeks may be necessary to reconcile the Senate and House versions, Hoeven said.

"We are very close to passing a new long-term highway bill, which is essential for the nation and for North Dakota," Hoeven said. "Last year, North Dakota's economy outperformed all other states in the nation. Importantly, the numbers reflect that our growth is coming from all industry sectors and regions across our state. To sustain this healthy rate of growth, we need strong infrastructure, which means building good roads, bridges and other projects on which our economy, literally, runs."

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