Bentley to Congress: Let states decide how to spend federal transportation money

WASHINGTON — Alabama Governor Robert Bentley addressed the Senate Environment and Public Works committee on behalf of the National Governors Association (NGA) Wednesday morning, asking Congress to pass a long-term plan for investing in transportation and infrastructure needs.

In his testimony, which can be read in full here, Gov. Bentley stressed the need for flexibility and certainty in the process of appropriating funds to the states for infrastructure development and improvement.

Over the years, previous surface transportation reauthorizations and short-term legislative extensions created uncertainty at the national level. This triggered necessary and pragmatic actions at the state level to maintain and develop our vital infrastructure, but governors agree that successful state action does not justify federal disengagement or devolution.

Detailing some of the successful transportation projects undertaken by Alabama in the last several years, which he said helped the state create one of the top five business climates in the country, Gov. Bentley highlighted the need for flexibility in prioritizing where the money is spent.

“Federal transportation programs and funding should provide maximum flexibility to the states for implementation and innovation because of our diversity of geography,
population, and priorities,” Gov. Bentley said to the committee. “When states receive federal funds that are earmarked for specific projects, it diminishes core program funding and restricts the ability of governors to maintain critical infrastructures within their states.”

Gov. Bentley also requested that Congress reauthorize the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The 2012 program authorized federal transportation funding for 27 months, but was temporarily extended last summer and expires in May of 2015. Federal money for road and infrastructure projects comes from the Highway Trust Fund, which is funded by the 18.3 cent per gallon tax on gasoline, and the 24.4 per gallon tax on diesel.

There has been concern in recent years that the current level of inputs into the Highway Trust Fund are no longer adequate, as fluctuations in the price of gas and improvements in efficiency have reduced demand. Some policymakers suggest an increase in the tax on gasoline and diesel to cover the hole. Gov. Bentley acknowledged there isn’t a “silver-bullet option,” but warned “general fund transfers to fill Highway Trust Fund shortfalls and operating federal highway and transit programs through a patchwork of short-term extensions are not viable long-term options.”

Concluding his testimony before the committee, Gov. Bentley urged Congress to pass a funding resolution which reflects the belief “that a strong national transportation system is essential to creating jobs and maintaining a strong national economy.”