Counties and the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill

The Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill is a crucial legislative framework that empowers counties to enhance and sustain the nation’s infrastructure and transportation networks. The current authorization, which allocated $1.2 trillion to essential transportation and infrastructure programs and projects, is set to expire on September 30, 2026.  

This hub serves as a comprehensive resource, offering critical information, practical tools and advocacy opportunities to help county leaders and communities grasp the full impact of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. From transportation improvements to economic growth, energy initiatives, and public safety enhancements, this platform equips counties with the knowledge necessary to engage in the legislative process and ensure their residents’ voices help shape this essential legislation.

By the Numbers

44%

of Public Road Miles Counties own and operate 44 percent of all public roads

34%

of Airports Counties are directly involved in 34 percent of airports

40%

of Public Transportation Systems Counties are directly involved in 40 percent of all public transportation systems

Featured Resources

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Advocacy

NACo sends letters to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging support for county priorities in surface transportation reauthorization

On April 30, NACo submitted three letters to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee outlining county priorities as Congress begins work on the next surface transportation reauthorization. The current authorization is set to expire on September 30, 2026, and renewing it is a key priority for the Committee in the 119th Congress.

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Implementing Infrastructure Investments at the County Level: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58)

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a major victory for counties, who worked closely with our partners in Congress throughout the legislative process to ensure county priorities were included. NACo's implementation tracker highlights the latest information critical for counties.

Construction

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Examining Investments in County Infrastructure

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $1 trillion in funding over five years, including $550 billion in new investments divided between transportation and other core infrastructure sectors like water, broadband, energy and environmental remediation.

Transportation Policy Briefs

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Provide Guaranteed, Direct Federal Funding for County Owned Roads and Bridges

Urge your Members of Congress to develop a bipartisan solution that guarantees direct and consistent funding for locally owned roads and bridges in the next highway reauthorization without the necessity for counties to compete amongst ourselves and with our city and state partners.

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Take Action

Urge your members of Congress to include county priorities in a comprehensive surface transportation reauthorization. Programs throughout the legislation help counties and our residents make critical investments in infrastructure, workforce and economic development, energy deployment and public safety across our nation.

Contact Your Representative Contact Your Senators

NACo Contacts

Ben Gilsdorf

Ben Gilsdorf

Associate Legislative Director, Transportation
Rachel Yeung

Rachel Yeung

Legislative Assistant