Discussions on Highway Trust Fund Fix Ongoing, White House Official Says
WASHINGTON - With President Donald Trump declaring infrastructure funding a legislative priority for the year, coming up with a long-term fix for the Highway Trust Fund remains a matter under discussion between the White House and congressional leaders, a White House official said Jan. 8.
From article, (The administration and transportation policymakers on Capitol Hill recognize the importance behind identifying a way to ensure a sustainable revenue source for the trust fund, Herrgott explained. Previously, he was a transportation aide for Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), and participated in high-level highway policy negotiations.
The trust fund account backs states with funding assistance through revenue collected from the federal gas and diesel tax. Improvements in fuel consumption and shifting driving habits contribute to the account’s steady decline, prompting several general fund transfers in recent years to maintain its solvency.
A White House official last month said Trump had not ruled out calling for an increase in federal fuel taxes, a move strongly supported by nearly every infrastructure stakeholder. Since 1993, the gas tax has been 18.4 cents per gallon, and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel. Key Democrats on Capitol Hill support raising federal fuel taxes to restore the trust fund. Republican leaders oppose increasing the taxes.
According to an outline of the plan unveiled last year, the White House will call for $200 billion in federal funds as a way to incentivize $800 billion in private capital. Rural projects would receive $25 billion, and the administration would streamline the permitting process for construction projects from 10 years to 2 years, while encouraging tolling, and the transfer of public assets to private firms.)For more on article
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