“America is Building Again”: USDOT Sets the Stage for a New Era in Infrastructure Investment

As the September 30, 2026, expiration date for the current Surface Transportation Authorization looms, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is ramping up momentum toward a new legislative framework to drive infrastructure development across the country.  With key stakeholders, industry leaders, and lawmakers gathering under the leadership of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the nation’s top transportation officials are laying the groundwork for a bold, streamlined, and safety-focused reauthorization bill.

Laying the Foundation: Priorities for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization

Speaking at a recent transportation policy conference, Secretary Duffy unveiled President Trump’s “America is Building Again” agenda—an aggressive plan to accelerate infrastructure development while cutting regulatory red tape.  The agenda outlines several critical policy pillars: 

• Enhancing Transportation Safety: From improved bridge safety and pedestrian protections to dedicated investments in truck parking and autonomous vehicle technology, safety remains front and center.
• Accelerating Project Delivery: By reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and expanding the “One Federal Decision” framework, USDOT aims to reduce the delays and costs associated with project permitting.
• Investing for Economic Growth: Expanded capacity, congestion relief, and increased private-sector engagement are key strategies to fuel economic development.
• Strengthening Partnerships: Federal collaboration with state DOTs and local entities is being reimagined to promote more efficient, locally driven infrastructure outcomes.

Federal-State Collaboration: Texas Takes the Lead 

Following his remarks, Duffy signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Texas Department of Transportation.  The agreement gives Texas expanded control over environmental permitting for infrastructure projects—empowering the state to expedite critical road and bridge improvements.  The partnership is intended to serve as a national model for other states seeking to implement similar streamlining strategies.

Duffy also issued a call to action for governors across the country to take on NEPA responsibilities, shifting more control to state agencies in a bid to remove bureaucratic hurdles and speed up project delivery timelines. 

A Rare Invitation: USDOT Requests Public Input

In a significant shift from traditional federal policymaking, the USDOT is inviting not just industry groups and local governments, but individual consumers, to submit ideas and recommendations that will shape the next surface transportation bill. 

The agency’s Request for Information (RFI)—titled “Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal that Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs”—asks for feedback on how future infrastructure investments can:

• Improve safety (with a spotlight on truck parking),
• Speed up project approvals,
• Enhance economic impact through smarter investments, and
• Strengthen state-federal collaboration. 

The deadline to submit comments is August 20, and feedback can be sent to STR2026@dot.gov or filed online under docket number DOT-OST-2025-0468.

Budgeting the Future: FY 2026 Transportation Appropriations Take Shape 

Parallel to reauthorization efforts, the House Committee on Appropriations recently passed its FY 2026 THUD (Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development) bill, a nearly $90 billion package that reshuffles funds from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to bolster traditional programs.

While honoring core IIJA obligations—like the $83.3 billion for Trust Fund programs—the bill controversially redirects $5.4 billion in advance appropriations (originally allocated to programs such as NEVI and Reconnecting Communities) to standard General Fund accounts.  The move has drawn scrutiny from infrastructure advocates concerned about long-term impacts on specialized grant programs. 

Highlights from the bill include:

• Federal Highway Administration: $63.7 billion from the Highway Trust Fund, with $954 million in earmarks.
• Federal Transit Administration: $14.6 billion for transit formula programs but a sharp drop in capital investment grants.
• Federal Railroad Administration: Significant internal transfers, including $1.4 billion to Amtrak’s National Network and $925 million to the Northeast Corridor.
• Federal Aviation Administration: A $13.8 billion operations budget and a $4 billion infusion for air traffic control upgrades. 

Notably, the bill marks the first time Congress has reallocated advance appropriations from the IIJA, signaling a potential shift in how lawmakers manage long-term infrastructure commitments.

Looking Ahead 

With reauthorization planning in full swing, federal and state transportation agencies are entering a pivotal moment.  The combination of accelerated funding mechanisms, regulatory reform, and grassroots input creates a rare opportunity to rethink how America builds, connects, and moves.

Whether you’re a trucking professional, a local planner, or a concerned citizen, this is your chance to have a voice in the nation’s infrastructure future.  As Secretary Duffy put it, “With our money, we want you to build fast—and we want to streamline the rules and regulations around what you do as much as possible.”