ATSSA joins effort asking Congress to amend ARP to release relief funds

Groups seek ability to use allocated funds for transportation projects

ATSSA joined the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and 26 other groups asking leaders in the House and Senate to pass legislation that would amend the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

The groups sent a letter on Tuesday asking Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to act on legislation (S. 3011 and H.R. 5735) that would give states and localities greater flexibility to use a larger portion of ARP funds needed for transportation projects.

“The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provided states and localities with $350 billion in relief funds and $10 billion in capital improvement assistance at a time of critical need. The COVID-19 pandemic ripped a gaping hole in the budgets of many state and local governments, making this assistance crucial as the nation’s economic recovery continues,” the letter states.

It goes on to explain that more than $100 billion remains unobligated and yet “the funds lack the flexibility necessary for states and localities to address ongoing transportation needs.”

The legislation, which unanimously passed in the Senate and has 150 co-sponsors in the House, would “not increase costs to the federal government or the deficit and does not mandate state or local governments change their plans or priorities,” the letter notes.

Congressional leaders are asked to add the legislation to the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations package.

Following is the list of groups that signed the letter.

• American Road & Transportation Builders Association
• National League of Cities
• Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations 
• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
• American Public Transportation Association
• Associated General Contractors of America
• National Association of Development Organizations
• Associated Equipment Distributors 
• American Subcontractors Association
• American Highway Users Alliance
• Government Finance Officers Association
• Design-Build Institute of America 
• National Association of Surety Bond Producers
• National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association 
• American Traffic Safety Services Association 
• American Public Works Association
• American Concrete Pipe Association 
• National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
• Institute of Makers of Explosives
• National Association of County Engineers
• American Concrete Pavement Association
• American Foundry Society
• National Association of Regional Councils Portland Cement Association
• American Council of Engineering Companies
• American Society of Civil Engineers
• Association of Equipment Manufacturers
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce