Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, representing West Virginia and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, presided over a hearing to assess the execution of surface transportation policies within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The committee's focus is turning towards the forthcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, as existing provisions will expire in September 2026.

Chairman Capito underscored both achievements and areas for improvement since the IIJA's enactment on November 15, 2021. "Thank you for joining us this morning to continue our oversight of the implementation of the IIJA," she stated. The hearing aimed to evaluate what has been effective and identify aspects that require discontinuation or modification.

Capito acknowledged that transportation stakeholders have made strides but faced challenges. "Since the law’s enactment... transportation stakeholders have been delivering on its promise but, at times, experiencing some challenges," she remarked. Federal highway formula programs received significant funding under IIJA, a move Capito strongly supported. This funding aids states with flexibility to address diverse transportation needs across America.

In West Virginia, these funds are enhancing infrastructure by modernizing roads and bridges. "This funding has provided states with certainty... upgrading and modernizing our roads and bridges," Capito said.

Capito pointed out certain policy initiatives like One Federal Decision aimed at streamlining environmental reviews. However, issues such as inflation affecting project costs were highlighted as challenges during implementation. She also mentioned slow progress in discretionary grant programs causing delays in realizing benefits from projects.

Another issue raised was an excessive amount of unused obligation authority due to delays, leading to $8.7 billion being redistributed back to states in 2024. "This results in an end-of-the-fiscal-year scramble... often putting it towards lower-priority projects," noted Capito.

Additionally, concerns about executive overreach during prior administrations were addressed by Capito: "The goal of this overreach was simply advancing the priorities of the prior Administration." She expressed anticipation for feedback from witnesses on these matters during testimony.

"This review of the real-world impacts of the IIJA... will inform this Committee’s bipartisan work on the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill," concluded Capito.