Charleston Leader

Today in Washington D.C., U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, initiated discussions on the forthcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. The hearing, attended by Sean Duffy, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, focused on challenges related to bridge safety, grant backlogs, and delays in transportation projects.

Senator Capito sought Secretary Duffy's insights on bridge funding and maintenance, emphasizing its significance due to the numerous bridges in West Virginia. She asked Secretary Duffy about the strategies to improve bridge conditions nationwide. Secretary Duffy responded, "We see that people lose their lives when our bridges aren't safe, and so I know it's a top priority for this committee and for the department as well. We will make sure that the grants that have been awarded, we’re expeditiously moving through those grants." He added, "the oldest and maybe most dangerous bridges have to be funded first and those projects have to get underway."

There were concerns over project execution under the IIJA’s competitive grant programs. Senator Capito questioned the timely processing of project grants, pointing out previous delays. "Can you please commit to a timely execution of project grant agreements?" she asked, referencing the 3,200 projects lacking finalized grant agreements. Secretary Duffy explained the backlog, highlighting that 3,200 projects are in progress, many from the previous Administration. He remarked, "everybody wants their projects, and I'm going to do my best to get those projects out the door, but it is a historic number that was announced."

Senator Capito also inquired about the causes behind the project backlogs. Secretary Duffy acknowledged multiple reasons, including pending environmental reviews and capacity expansion debates. "Some of them are the NEPA work had not been done yet. That's true," he explained. He committed to addressing these projects despite the challenges, affirming, "I'm going to work for all of you to get these projects out."

The hearing sets the groundwork for cooperation between the Senate EPW Committee and the Department of Transportation to advance national infrastructure priorities.