WASHINGTON, DC – Though modernizing the nation’s infrastructure has been a looming issue for the federal government for decades, there has been increased emphasis since the 2016 presidential elections when then-candidate Donald Trump pledged a significant investment to the issue. He came one step closer to his promise when the White House released its principles for an infrastructure package along with the president’s FY18 budget request. The principles outline $200 billion in infrastructure investments.
For motorcyclists, the area of infrastructure is one of interest. Roads, highways, bridges are all well utilized by motorcyclists, yet many of these are considered structurally deficient. More importantly, because the concept of infrastructure is so broad, some policymakers will offer proposals that they have championed for years that they hope to include in an infrastructure vehicle. Many of these could very well include seemingly unrelated efforts in the name of safety. Often, large legislative packages are viewed as opportunities to slip in provisions related to highway safety. These “riders” (no pun intended) are easy to miss in a large legislative package, but the effects are far-reaching.
In addition to maintaining a vigilant eye on what gets “stuck” into an infrastructure package, there is also concern that President Trump will pursue a proposal to lift a federal ban that prevents tolling on existing lanes of interstate highways:
“Tolling is generally restricted on interstate highways. This restriction prevents public and private investment in such facilities,” the White House fact sheet says. “We should reduce this restriction and allow the states to assess their transportation needs and weigh the relative merits of tolling assets.”
Supporters say it’s a way to charge motorists directly for the roads that they use. Alternatively, others fear that if they don’t pay for the infrastructure through toll roads, they will pay at the pump via a gas tax.
While an infrastructure plan is easy to talk and campaign about, it doesn’t mean it is easy to write, pass through Congress, or sign into law. Although Republicans currently control the House, Senate, and presidency, several factors stand as roadblocks to any major piece of legislation becoming law.
Despite a polarized Congress and busy legislative schedule, however, there is a real appetite for considering a major overhaul to the nation’s infrastructure, and plenty of room for negotiation to help make it possible.
All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved.
June 10, 2017- -
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