America’s Engineering Industry backs the Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021
Washington, DC – The American Council of Engineering Companies released a strong letter of support this afternoon for passage of the bipartisan Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021.
In her letter, ACEC President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr congratulated Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for reaching a bipartisan agreement on the bill, which will ensure five years of growing investment in core infrastructure programs.
“The introduction of this bipartisan reauthorization bill underscores the idea that investing in America’s infrastructure is an issue that should transcend party lines,” said ACEC President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. “This is good legislation that can serve as the foundation for a larger reauthorization package to make the investments we need for a safer, more efficient, and more resilient surface transportation network.”
Beyond the increase in authorized funding – a 34 percent increase over the FAST Act – ACEC commends the Committee for promoting a more resilient transportation system. America’s engineering industry is fully engaged in helping its public and private sector clients design resilient infrastructure to respond and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate and more severe weather. The Senate bill recognizes the importance of designing today’s infrastructure to meet the challenges of the future.
The bill also includes important provisions to facilitate more efficient project delivery, including the codification of the One Federal Decision policy. This is crucial for engineering firms conducting environmental reviews, advising on mitigation measures, and acting as trusted advisors for clients navigating federal and state regulatory requirements.
“ACEC looks forward to working with Senators Carper and Capito to move this bill through mark-up to a full vote on the Senate floor,” Darr added. “We are also eager to work with the Committee to add corrective language to fix an unforeseen regulatory problem in the Federal Acquisition Regulations facing engineering firms that received PPP loans and work on federal-aid highway and transit programs.”
Read the full letter of support here.
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The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of the nation’s engineering industry. Founded in 1906, ACEC is a national federation of 52 state and regional organizations representing more than 4,500 engineering firms and 500,000+ engineers, surveyors, architects, and other specialists nationwide. ACEC member firms drive the design of America’s infrastructure and built environment.
