Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement regarding the Department of Transportation’s proposal addressing the surface transportation bill reauthorization.

“The administration is right to recognize the pressing importance of investments in our roads, bridges, highways and ferries. Businesses need to be able to trust in reliable access to markets and citizens need to be assured of their safety during daily travel.

“In Washington state and across the country, this means ensuring bridges are safe and communities of all sizes have access to transportation funding. I cosponsored the SAFE Bridges Act to provide $5.5 billion for replacing or repairing deficient bridges. And I am committed to ensuring smaller cities are not overlooked for federal transportation opportunities. The TIGER CUBS Act would set aside 20 percent of special transportation infrastructure funding specifically for smaller cities.

“Given the significant role of exports for Washington state, freight mobility is another key part of our country’s transportation system. I have long supported necessary investments in freight improvements, including rail safety, to ensure public safety and timely commerce and will continue to do so.

“In Washington state, transportation means jobs. Building stronger infrastructure is an investment in the economic health of our region.

“As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop a transportation bill that works for Washington state by supporting all kinds of infrastructure, including ferries.

“The administration’s proposal lays out a framework for Congress to consider. I look forward to working with the administration to find a real funding source, to protect our bridges, and to make sure we are investing in transportation infrastructure for communities of all sizes,” Larsen said.

More information about the administration’s surface transportation proposal can be found here.

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