Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a hearing on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, emphasizing its importance for economic development and job growth. As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Capito discussed with stakeholders the role of permitting reform in enhancing the efficiency of the country's surface transportation network.
During the session, Capito queried participants about what aspects of reauthorization would most impact economic and job growth. She asked, "Is it the predictability, the affordability, the flexibility? What would you point to as from your standpoint as governor?"
Governor Kelly Armstrong from North Dakota highlighted issues related to funding predictability: “All of the above, but I think... The more predictability and foresight you can push onto us, the less money we will spend to build the same project.”
Austin Ramirez, CEO of Husco International Inc., pointed out supply chain challenges due to inadequate infrastructure: “We’ve got rural facilities... having surface transportation to those facilities that is efficient and well maintained is really important.”
Capito also addressed permitting reform's significance: “Permitting is something that Senator Whitehouse and I... talk about almost daily."
The discussions aim at ensuring better use of resources in developing transportation projects across various regions.
