Surface Transportation Reauthorization Resource Hub
Stay up-to-date on the state of play and advocate for key county priorities in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill
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
Click here to learn more about the county role in surface transportation.
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
Write Your Member of Congress to Support the BASICS Act
NACo fully endorses the bipartisan Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success (BASICS) Act (H.R. 7437) to help counties maintain and strengthen our nation’s infrastructure and transportation systems. Introduced in the 119th Congress by Reps. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.) and Robert Bresnahan (R-Pa.), write your member of Congress to share your support of the BASICS Act and its inclusion in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Surface Transportation Reauthorization Advocacy Toolkit
In this resource, you will find tools and best practices to help educate and engage with Congress, the Administration and the public on the importance of county infrastructure and the need for direct federal support.
NACo sends letter to USDOT urging support for county priorities in surface transportation reauthorization
On July 21, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a Request for Information to gather recommendations from stakeholders across transportation sectors as the agency works to develop its priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill.
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.
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.
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.
Support County Priorities as Congress Works on Surface Transportation Reauthorization
Urge your Members of Congress to support county transportation and infrastructure priorities in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Support Transportation Planning for Rural Communities
Urge your members of Congress to support local transportation planning in rural communities in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill through federal designation, guaranteed federal funding and project selection authority.
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.
Support Local Infrastructure Projects through Permitting Reform
Urge your Members of Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to reform the federal permitting process. Reforms to the federal permitting process should limit federal preemption of local authority and require meaningful consultation with local governments throughout the development of critical infrastructure projects such as transportation, energy, broadband deployment, air quality and water quality that require a federal permit.
Maintain Funding for Rural Communities through Essential Air Service Program
Urge your members of Congress to preserve funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations to preserve commercial air service between small, rural communities and major hub airports.
Maintain and Expand Rail Safety Protections for Local Communities
Urge your Members of Congress and federal agencies to support rail safety improvements and work closely with counties to protect communities across the nation.
Watch
Recording of NACo's Surface Transportation Priorities with Local and Regional Partners
Click here to access the recording in a new window.
Listen to NACo and the Local Officials in Transportation (LOT) Coalition to learn about the ongoing surface transportation reauthorization process, including learning more about the coalition’s policy priorities and how you can get involved. The LOT Coalition advocates for policies that help local governments and regional organizations better access and implement federal transportation funding to support locally owned infrastructure across our country. The coalition includes the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), the National League of Cities and the US Conference of Mayors (USCM). This recording features NACo's Transportation Policy Steering Committee Chair Jim Willox.
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.
NACo Contacts
Ben Gilsdorf
