U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy convened a conference in Washington, D.C., gathering Congressional members and infrastructure stakeholders to discuss priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization process. This event aims to foster collaboration as Congress prepares for the reauthorization later this fall.
"Our mission is to build as quickly and as much as possible," stated U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "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."
Secretary Duffy highlighted President Trump's "America is Building Again" agenda, which focuses on enhancing transportation safety, accelerating project delivery, increasing investment opportunities in transportation infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships with states and key stakeholders.
A significant development at the event was Secretary Duffy's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This agreement allows Texas more control over environmental permitting requirements, expediting critical bridge and highway projects. The partnership serves as a model for other states interested in implementing the "America is Building Again" agenda.
In addition, Secretary Duffy urged governors nationwide to assume NEPA responsibilities, enabling State DOTs to manage their projects more efficiently by reducing unnecessary costs and delays.
The Department of Transportation also announced a Request for Information titled “Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal that Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs.” The current Surface Transportation Authorization expires on September 30, 2026, setting funding levels and policy directives for various federal administrations including FHWA.
