How the government shutdown affects transportation programs
The current federal government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history, the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) weighs in on the effects they face in transportation.
Despite a possible agreement in the senate, the government shutdown is felt widely across the transportation sector. While many programs and projects retained their funding through Highway Trust Fund (HTF) resources the federal government involvement is essential for infrastructure development. Without their environmental reviews, grant processing and project authorizations, the same projects are slowing down and impacting timelines.
“This slowdown is creating uncertainty and delaying progress for construction and engineering firms, as well as for businesses involved in project design, contracting and supply chains,” said Mark Muriello, IBTTA’s Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs. “The longer this uncertainty persists, the greater the risk that the nation’s infrastructure projects will face setbacks in the early stages of project delivery and readiness for construction.”
Beyond current infrastructure delays, the likelihood of advancing the surface transportation reauthorization bill by the end of the year, is out of reach. Although Congressional staff like House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves continue to draft legislative language, it is unlikely to be presented before next spring.
