NACo publishes Federal Transportation & Infrastructure Policy Hub for counties
Author
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
The National Association of Counties (NACo) recently published a Federal Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Hub for Counties. This advocacy toolkit provides information, tools and resources necessary for counties to understand current infrastructure negotiations on Capitol Hill and to advocate for the inclusion of county priorities in the final infrastructure package.
Counties play a critical role in the nation’s transportation and infrastructure system, owning 44 percent of all public roads and nearly 40 percent of the National Bridge Inventory. At the same time, counties are tasked with directly supporting 78 percent of public transit systems and 34 percent of public airports that connect residents, communities and businesses with the national and global economies. Annually, counties invest roughly $134 billion in constructing infrastructure and maintaining and operating public works.
The new Federal Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Hub allows counties to contextualize their role in infrastructure discussions. This includes negotiations related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which NACo has published an executive summary on, as well as the broader infrastructure policy landscape.
NACo encourages counties to utilize the new Policy Hub, especially as the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to consider the IIJA later this month.
Additional Resources
Resource
NACo Analysis: Senate Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act
Related News
NACo submits feedback on USDOT’s rural outreach initiative
On April 23, NACo submitted a response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on its Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative. Given the predominantly rural nature of counties and the important role that counties play in our nation’s transportation system, NACo is uniquely positioned to provide important feedback to USDOT on this topic.
NACo endorses bill to allow states to regulate blocked rail crossings
On April 8, NACo endorsed the Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 341). Led by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), this important legislation grants states the authority to regulate blocked at-grade railroad crossings. Delays caused by extended blocked train crossing create safety and connectivity concerns by increasing emergency response times and disrupting traffic.
U.S. Department of Transportation announces newest round of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant opportunities
On March 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) posted a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Almost $1 billion is available for distribution under the grant program, which supports safety planning and improvement projects on locally owned transportation networks.