The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released recommendations for Congress regarding the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. The organization calls for stable funding, improved safety, faster project delivery, greater resilience, and updated user fees.
According to ASCE, maintaining or exceeding the funding levels established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is crucial to prevent regression in infrastructure development. The society notes that since the enactment of the IIJA, over 72,000 transportation projects have received funding. It emphasizes that consistent multi-year investment is vital because infrastructure projects require long-term planning, workforce stability, and continuity in materials and equipment procurement.
In addition to addressing funding and program renewals, ASCE suggests that Congress could use this reauthorization to reconsider guidance on contemporary transportation and mobility issues. Nearly two decades ago, the Graves Amendment was added to a federal transportation bill, removing state-level owner liability for rental car companies. With ridesharing and carsharing now commonplace in daily travel, several states have updated their laws accordingly. Advocates are urging Congress to implement these reforms nationally.
ASCE also underscores the importance of resilience and future-readiness in infrastructure design. The society highlights an increase in extreme weather events' frequency and severity—reporting that in 2023 alone, 28 such events in the U.S. resulted in nearly $95 billion in damage. ASCE urges Congress to mandate that federally supported infrastructure adhere to updated codes and standards anticipating climate stresses. Additionally, it calls for funding research and workforce training focused on new materials and adaptive design techniques to ensure long-term viability.
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers is a professional organization representing engineers across the United States and globally. According to information from ASCE and other sources, it promotes infrastructure stewardship through initiatives like issuing the quadrennial Report Card for America’s Infrastructure while advocating policy changes, research efforts, and educational advancements within the civil engineering field.
