Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, engaged in a hearing titled “Oversight and Budget of the Federal Highway Administration” with FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt.

During the hearing, Senator Capito sought updates on various transportation issues, including the delay of Corridor H in West Virginia. She questioned why the FHWA declared a section of Corridor H from Wardensville to the Virginia state line a "major project," despite its estimated cost being $475 million, below the $500 million statutory threshold for such classification. Capito asked, “Why did you go beyond what the scope of the $500 million threshold?”

Senator Capito also addressed the implementation of "One Federal Decision" permitting provisions under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. She inquired about accountability measures among federal agencies involved in major project permitting and whether these provisions are effectively shortening project timelines. Capito remarked, “What kind of accountability do the other agencies have to you when you're trying to achieve this One Federal Decision? And what's your opinion of whether One Federal Decision actually works?”

Administrator Bhatt responded, “Thank you Ranking Member Capito. Yes, when I sat on the state DOT side I welcomed any and all opportunities to accelerate project delivery.”

The discussion also touched upon electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Senator Capito highlighted that most existing charging ports were built by the private sector and suggested that private enterprise is more effective in this area than public initiatives. She stated, “I believe that was the direction we should have gone in the beginning... Because the private sector knows the answers here.”

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