Booker, Wicker Unveil "Innovation in Surface Transportation' Plan

Press Release

U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J. and Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would give local officials more control over the transportation planning process in their states and communities. The "Innovation in Surface Transportation Act," is cosponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Bob Casey, D-Pa.

"There's a long list of transportation projects that can't get done in communities across the country because local officials don't have access to adequate funding," Sen. Booker said. "New Jersey's residents and commuters are counting on us to find solutions that sustain and improve our nation's highways, railways, and waterways -- networks that are critical to economic growth, job creation, and national security. The bipartisan legislation Sens. Wicker, Casey and I are introducing today will create new opportunities for economic growth by empowering cities to effectively compete for funds to support transportation investments."

"Local officials are faced with immense transportation infrastructure challenges but often lack the resources to pay for these improvements," Sen. Wicker said. "This measure would enable communities to have a say in which projects merit attention and would direct federal dollars to meet those needs. Targeted, cost-effective solutions are key to modernizing this country's infrastructure. The Wicker-Booker bill should be included in any long-term transportation plan."

Source