By Contact Jim Berard (202)225-6260
WASHINGTON—The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reports that, as of late Wednesday, all Democratic Members of the House who have submitted requests for High Priority Projects in the upcoming surface transportation authorization bill have posted their requests on their office websites.
The Committee reports a total 405 Members of both parties submitted 6,868 HPP requests totaling $136.3 billion. The Committee is now in the process of vetting the requests to determine which projects will be included in the surface transportation bill to be introduced next month. The current surface transportation authorization expires September 30.
Under new procedures instituted by the Committee this year, Members are required to post their requests on their office websites. The Committee also required Members to submit letters of support from local officials and a certification that the Member has no financial interest in the project. Each project must also provide an opportunity for public comment.
The Committee has provided the Department of Transportation with a copy of the requests and has asked DOT to review them to ensure that the projects meet program eligibility criteria. The Committee has requested that the Department complete its review within 20 days.
“This is a new era for this Committee and for Congress,” said Committee Chairman James L. Oberstar (Minn.). “We are providing an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability in this process.”
For all HPPs included in the bill, the Committee will post on its website a list of the Member who requested each project and the Member’s accompanying financial interest certifications.
The Minority staff of the Committee is handling requests from House Republicans. They have set a deadline of May 22 for their Members to post their requests online.
The Committee will provide additional HPP information as it becomes available.
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