AASHTO Journal - AASHTO’s Board Adopts Core Reauthorization Principles

The board of directors for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials unanimously adopted its vision statement and three core policy principles as Congress begins drafting a surface transportation reauthorization package for when current reauthorization legislation – contained within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA – expires in September 2026.

[Above photo by AASHTO]

The vision for reauthorization calls for “a world-class transportation system that supports and strengthens the nation’s transportation infrastructure for a strong economy with improved safety and mobility.”

AASHTO stressed that the following pillars were necessary to achieve that vision: federal funding stability, formula-based federal funding paired with state contributions, current funding levels plus inflation as the baseline, and “user pay” principles for all vehicles.

“AASHTO stands ready to support Congress in meeting this deadline through our comprehensive policy development process, which is informed by state departments of transportation and their partner organizations,” explained Jim Tymon, AASHTO’s executive director.

“The well-established approach of distributing federal transportation funds to states via formula ensures each state can best meet its unique investment needs and deliver safety and mobility benefits efficiently to all of their residents,” he said.

Those three key core policy principles are:

Prioritize formula-based federal funding to states;
Improve project delivery and program administration by increasing flexibility, simplifying environmental regulations, and reducing program burdens, and;
Create a more safe, resilient, and efficient future by supporting the ability of state DOTs to harness innovation and technology.

“These core reauthorization policy principles unanimously adopted by AASHTO’s board of directors will help support this optimal approach as well as highlight other critical requirements for the next surface transportation legislation so it can effectively serve all corners of our nation,” noted AASHTO’s Tymon.

“State DOTs are committed to assisting this Congress in the development of a surface transportation reauthorization package that will ensure the nation’s transportation systems are safe for all users, provide for long-term economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all of our country’s residents,” he added. “These core policy principles will help develop reauthorization legislation that can achieve those goals.”