NACo testifies in front of Congress on rural road safety
Author
Ben Gilsdorf
Rachel Yeung
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
On February 12, Converse County, Wyo. Commissioner Jim Willox testified on behalf of NACo before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit at a hearing titled “America Builds: A Review of Programs to Address Roadway Safety.” The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit is one of the largest subcommittees in the House. During his testimony, Commissioner Willox noted the importance of our intergovernmental partnership with the federal government to enhance rural road safety across the nation. His testimony can be viewed here.
During the hearing, Commissioner Willox emphasized to Chairman David Rouzer (R-N.C.-7), Ranking Member Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), and other subcommittee members that “As major stakeholders, counties recognize our critical role in road safety. We are committed to doing our part to protect American lives.” He urged lawmakers to consider the unique challenges facing rural counties, the need for permitting reform and the importance of maintaining intergovernmental partnerships that incorporate local expertise.
Chairman Rouzer acknowledged these concerns and expressed plans to enhance flexibility in implementing programs to address infrastructure shortfalls in rural communities. NACo supports congressional efforts to collaborate with local governments to ensure road safety solutions reflect their specific needs.
As Congress prepares for the 2026 surface transportation reauthorization, NACo will continue working with key legislators to ensure counties have a voice in shaping influential transportation policies.
Resource
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Examining Investments in County Infrastructure
Related News
Research Reveals National Road Funding Crisis as County Leaders Urge Congressional Action
Research released today by the National Association of Counties (NACo) underscores a national road funding crisis and the large role counties play in the U.S. transportation network, as infrastructure investment needs outpace available revenue due to aging infrastructure, rising construction costs and weakened purchasing power. The American Society of Civil Engineers projects a $684 billion national funding shortfall for roads over the next decade, of which counties own a significant share.
USDA announces $44 million in rural broadband connectivity grant opportunities for FY 2026
On May 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced available grant funding under the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. Earlier this month, USDA also released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program for FY 2026. In total, $44 million is available in financial assistance between these two programs.
House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advances bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill
On May 17, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) introduced the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act (BUILD America 250 Act), a bipartisan bill that would reauthorize surface transportation programs through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for five years. After continuous advocacy from NACo, county leaders and coalition partners, the BUILD America 250 Act contains a number of key county priorities.