Stauber Ensures Minnesota Priorities Are Included in the Build America 250 Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) participated in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s markup of the Build America 250 Act, a bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill that strengthens critical infrastructure and keeps people and goods moving safely and efficiently across the country. Several of Stauber’s priorities were included in this legislation, including his Brake for Kids Act and several permitting reform provisions.

Under this legislation, Minnesota is estimated to receive $4,836,979,308 in highway apportionments and $141,618,838 per year to support the rehabilitation and construction of bridges in the State. It also prioritizes rural and small communities through dedicated funding for discretionary grant programs.

Of this legislation, Stauber said, “This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up the most significant surface transportation bill in decades. This legislation returns our nation’s investments to traditional infrastructure projects by securing the first new revenue into the Highway Trust Fund in over 30 years and making the largest investment into bridges in our history. Rural America is being prioritized under this legislation, and once passed, I expect to see significant funding distributed to much needed projects in Minnesota’s Eighth District. I was also proud to have many of my legislative priorities included, like significant permitting reform to speed up project delivery and my Brake for Kids Act to protect kids from illegal school bus passings. I look forward to seeing this legislation swiftly pass off the House Floor.”

Here is a breakdown of bill highlights included in the bill: 

• Focuses on America’s Highways and Bridges by providing the largest ever investment in bridges, delivering more than 90 percent of highway funding via formula, and continuing flexibility for states, recognizing they know best how to address their unique needs. 
• Speeds up project permitting by reducing costs and delays associated with the project permitting process, removing unnecessary project review steps, and streamlining permitting timelines.
• Strengthens the Highway Trust Fundby ensuring all users of the infrastructure, including electric vehicles, pay their fair share. 
• Includes the Brake for Kids Act, Stauber’s legislation that directs the Secretary of Transportation to produce and distribute a national public safety messaging campaign to increase awareness and education about the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. 
• Supports Buy America lawsto ensure all federally assisted surface transportation infrastructure projects are constructed using U.S.-produced iron and steel, construction materials, and manufactured products. 
• Continues the consistent application of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage standards supporting Minnesota’s union workers who will be constructing these new infrastructure projects.