Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today called on Congress to quickly pass the five-year surface transportation bill agreed upon by House and Senate leaders this week. The bill increases funding to states for highway and transit projects over the five-year authorization.
“For more than a decade, Congress has been stuck in neutral when it comes to passing a long-term bill to fund our highways and transit systems, only managing to pass dozens of short-term extensions,” Bennet said. “This bill gives Colorado communities the benefit of five years of certainty to maintain our roads and bridges and begin construction on new projects to support our growing economy. It will help complete crucial projects around the state, including the expansion of I-25 through Fort Collins and the Southeast Rail Line extension.
“While this bill funds our transportation needs for five years, it does not address the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Congress needs to use this time to come up with a realistic solution that will help us build and maintain the infrastructure needed to be competitive in the 21st century global economy,” Bennet added.
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