September 18, 2014

Today Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District announced growing support for her bipartisan proposal to provide greater access for local communities when it comes to transportation investments. H.R. 4726, the Innovation in Surface Transportation Act, was introduced by Congresswoman Titus along with her Republican colleague, Republican Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13), in May of this year. Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) will introduce the Senate Companion to the Titus legislation. This introduction follows endorsements from the AARP, League of American Bicyclists, and The National Center for Safe Routes to School.  

“I am grateful for the support we are seeing on this innovative proposal that empowers our local communities. The endorsements from leading national organizations demonstrate the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to how we are investing in transportation projects. Senators Booker and Wicker represent states and communities with varying needs, illustrating how positive this proposal can be for big cities like Las Vegas, small towns, and our rural communities. We will continue to build support among our colleagues for this legislation providing greater local control to make our roads and transit systems safer, more efficient, and accessible for all users.”

The Innovation in Surface Transportation Act will empower local communities to have a greater say in transportation investments. The legislation sets aside a portion of funding that state departments of transportation receive for an in-state, competitive grant program for transportation projects for local communities. Funding decisions for the grants would be made by a new board representing state and local leaders, as well as business organizations, travel and tourism authorities, bike and pedestrian safety groups, and others who are impacted by transportation decisions, but are not currently at the table when decisions about investments are made. Senators Begich (D-AK), Cochran (R-MS), and Casey (D-PA) are original cosponsors of the Senate version of the Innovation in Surface Transportation Act.