U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy recently brought together congressional members and infrastructure stakeholders in a conference to foster collaboration on priorities ahead of Congress’s surface transportation reauthorization process later this fall.

“We’re working through a historic backlog as fast as possible to make sure we can get money out the door to all of you to make sure these projects are moving and moving quickly,” Duffy said. “With our money, we want you to build as fast, and we want to streamline the rules and regulations around what you do as much as possible.”

During his remarks, Secretary Duffy outlined the America is Building Again agenda, including:

• Enhancing transportation safety, including bridges, safety for transportation workers and pedestrians, truck parking, and autonomous vehicles.

• Accelerating project delivery for transportation projects, including reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting, enhancing One Federal Decision, and increasing the use of technology.

• Increasing opportunities through investment in transportation infrastructure that promotes economic growth, including through expanded capacity and mobility, congestion relief, and more private sector investment.

• Strengthen partnerships with states and other key stakeholders to improve transportation outcomes, including prioritizing federal interests, achieving greater efficiencies, and conducting research. 

Secretary Duffy Signs Agreement with Texas

After his remarks, Duffy signed a final Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to help the state build infrastructure projects faster.

According to a USDOT release, the agreement allows Texas to take “more ownership of environmental permitting requirements,” so highway projects are started and completed faster.

In a letter, Duffy also urged governors nationwide to assume NEPA responsibilities and take the lead on project delivery.

As part of the process to collect feedback, the Department of Transportation announced a Request for Information titled “Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal that Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs.”