On June 3, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on “The Federal Highway Administration’s Proposed FY2027 Budget.” The key witness of the hearing was Sean McMaster, Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA is housed within the Department of Transportation and oversees the Federal-Aid Highway Program, the primary funding mechanism for surface transportation projects.
During the hearing, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) raised concerns that while Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) receive dedicated federal funding, their rural counterparts, Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs), do not.
“Years ago, Congress created an equivalent program for rural communities called Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, but there’s never been dedicated funding provided in the Highway Trust Fund to fund them, and I think that’s been a real disservice to rural communities. It’s another way where they’re just left behind.”
Senator Kelly highlighted the role RTPOs play in delivering projects more efficiently with fewer delays, greater community support, and lower costs.
In response, Administrator McMaster indicated his willingness for FHWA to provide technical assistance to Congress on RTPO funding in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. He did not, however, provide any specific commitments for dedicated funding.
NADO continues to work across Capitol Hill and the Department of Transportation to support dedicated funding for RTPO in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill and beyond. If you have any questions on this work, please contact [email protected].
A recording of the hearing can be found HERE.