Today, Rep. David Scott voted to approve a major bi-partisan transportation bill. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) reauthorizes highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects for the next five years. The FAST Act (H.R. 22) passed by a vote of 359-65.
“I have a message to fed-up commuters in metro Atlanta – help is on the way,” Congressman Scott said. “Metro Atlanta has some of the most dangerous intersections and some of the worst traffic congestion in America. After years of inaction on long-term transportation funding, Congress has finally agreed to a plan that will fund transportation work for five years. The FAST Act will create jobs for engineers and contractors and help get Georgia moving ahead.”
The FAST Act (H.R. 22) includes a number of key provisions:
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Dedicated funding specifically for freight projects, including freight rail, for the first time
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Authorizing $10.2 billion for intercity passenger rail investment, including Amtrak
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Increasing American manufacturing jobs by strengthening Buy America requirements
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Expands funding available for bridges off the National Highway System
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Streamlines the environmental review and permitting process without sacrificing environmental protections
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Eliminates or consolidates at least six separate offices within the Department of Transportation
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Promotes private investment in our surface transportation system
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Promotes congestion management technology
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Increases bus funding
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Encourages states to increase safety awareness of commercial motor vehicles
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Improves the auto safety recall process to better inform and protect consumers
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Prevents the rental of cars with safety defects
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Strengthens passenger and commuter rail safety, and track and bridge safety
For a detailed summary of the FAST Act, click here for a summary from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. A final version is expected to soon be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President.
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