US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) released a legislative discussion draft presenting his plan for US infrastructure, including water transportation programs.
The draft includes provision for billions of federal investment and trillions for projects of national significance. The funding will come from a 15-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and a 20-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel.
Chairman Shuster released the following statement on the draft:
This discussion draft does not represent a complete and final infrastructure bill. It is meant to reignite discussions amongst my colleagues, and I urge all Members to be open-minded and willing to work together in considering real solutions that will give America the modern day infrastructure it needs.
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In addition, the plan incorporated improvement points to surface transportation system linking to ports and water transportation with funding needed to maintain US harbors.
It also authorizes a national infrastructure investment program and extends FAST Act freight programs for a year, which are very important to US ports. The draft also suggests a mechanism to increase revenue for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which funds maintenance of navigation channels into US ports.
Mr. Shuster concluded:
Since election day, the American people have waited for action by their federal elected representatives, and I am just as frustrated as they are that we have yet to seriously consider a responsible, thoughtful proposal. That is why I have released a discussion draft that reflects input from Members on both sides of the aisle, as well as a broad group of infrastructure stakeholders interested in building a 21st century infrastructure for our country.