DeSaulnier, Bustos, and Crawford Introduce Bi-partisan Act To Improve Public Trust In Transportation & Increase Returns on Transportation Investments

Press Release

Today, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17), alongside Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1), introduced bi-partisan legislation to promote transparency and accountability in federal highway investments by requiring states to prioritize projects based on performance standards. While transportation agencies in California, Illinois, and other states are implementing similar measures, most states currently use limited or no performance criteria making it challenging for the public to understand how funds are being spent.

The "Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act" (H.R. 3787) would rebuild public trust by increasing transparency during the project selection process, and ensure that funds are invested on merit as opposed to politics or connections. Further, this process helps better achieve local, state, and national transportation goals by prioritizing projects that bring the most value to communities.

"America's infrastructure is at a crossroads. With increasing needs and diminishing resources, it is essential that we promote transportation investments that offer the highest return for taxpayers. California has been a leader in evidence-based decision-making. I am proud of our work on this issue, and this bill expands on those efforts to promote transparency and create a new level of accountability for infrastructure investment across the country," said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

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