State DOTs Granted Relief in COVID Package

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package legislation set for a vote in Congress includes $10 billion for state Departments of Transportation (DOT) to recoup funds lost as a result of the pandemic’s impact on driving habits and lost gas tax revenues in FY2020.

“The $10 billion allocated will go a long way towards recouping the funds lost as a result of the pandemic’s impact on driving habits and lost gas tax revenues in FY2020,” said the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley. “The dollars we’ve secured in this pandemic package for state DOT relief is real money going towards previously scheduled public works projects and infrastructure improvements – this means our members can continue to grow their local, regional and our national economy as infrastructure investment will continue America’s economic rebound.

“We appreciate the leadership of Senate Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Schumer and House Minority Leader McCarthy for ensuring that with this package every state DOT will have relief,” Stanley said. “NSSGA additionally applauds the efforts of transportation and infrastructure champions, Environment and Public Works Chairman Barrasso (Wyo.) and Ranking Member Carper (Del.) as well as Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman DeFazio (Ore.) and Ranking Member Graves (Mo.)

“State DOT relief has been a top priority for NSSGA since the pandemic’s onset, and we have pushed aggressively on this issue. As NSSGA members flagged this problem, they kept us updated on the facts and figures, delayed or cancelled projects, and we were able to put a personal story to an issue that crippled our industry. We led a bipartisan Dear Colleague letter to House leaders, a bipartisan Senate Dear Colleague letter, and multiple letters to Congressional and White House leadership with over 40 national trade associations and businesses signing on. Then, in less than a week with our grassroots activated, our members sent more than 1,800 letters and countless calls to congressional offices,” Stanley continued.

“This relief demonstrates the shared knowledge at every level that our highways and the DOTs which are responsible for maintaining their safe operation, are a critical component to every community. NSSGA is pleased to secure this relief, which will provide a foundation to leverage in the 117th Congress as elected officials begin working in earnest on a multi-year highway bill,” Stanley concluded.

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