Sen. Paul Introduces Amendment to Prioritize Transportation Funding

Press Release

Sen. Rand Paul introduced an amendment to H.R. 4660, the minibus appropriations bill, which would prioritize grant funding for certain transportation projects based on the economic benefits of the projects to the public.

"The interstate highway system is of vital importance to our national economy," said Sen. Paul. "In Kentucky and across the country we have bridges and roads in need of repair and replacement. It is critical that we prioritize our transportation projects. This amendment would place common sense and practical criteria on projects funded through appropriations."

The legislation, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Mitch McConnell, would prioritize grants issued through the National Infrastructure Investments program. Grants through this program are designated for capital investment improvements that are to provide significant impact to the country, or a specific region.

"I thank Sen. Paul for introducing this important amendment," Sen. McConnell said. "We are committed to advancing Kentucky's critical transportation infrastructure and will continue to work together on this priority."

Sen. Paul's amendment establishes the following criteria for the grants:

Whether the project will have a positive impact on one or more interstate highways

The projects in need of repair or replacement have been deemed to be structurally or functionally obsolete and a risk to public safety

The economic impact of the project on interstate commerce by focusing on shipping and trucking commerce, proximity to other states, and availability of alternative routes

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