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Trump DOT Focuses on Faster Projects, Fewer Grant Programs
Bradbury Says States Should Gain More Control Over Highway Dollars
Key Takeaways:
- Deputy Transportation Secretary Steven Bradbury on March 17 outlined the Trump administration’s highway policy and funding goals at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce infrastructure forum.
- Bradbury said DOT seeks consolidated grants, faster NEPA permitting and more state control as the Highway Trust Fund faces revenue shortfalls within two years.
- House leaders aim for committee action by April as the Senate advances its bill before the current highway law expires Sept. 30.
WASHINGTON — Deputy Transportation Secretary Steven Bradbury on March 17 outlined the Trump administration’s highway policy and funding goals as work begins on the next surface transportation bill.
Speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual infrastructure forum, Bradbury said the Department of Transportation is laying out its reauthorization proposals while congressional leaders target committee action as early as April. The senior DOT official asked lawmakers to review processes for grant programs and streamline project delivery, among other proposals.
“We’re focused on consolidation of grant programs, simplification of programs, and giving more control over projects and money to state and local governments,” Bradbury told an audience of freight executives and infrastructure stakeholders.
A central priority, he said, is further accelerating environmental permitting for major projects. DOT is working with the White House to shorten and simplify National Environmental Policy Act reviews — a long-standing objective for the administration.
“This is a huge emphasis in the administration,” Bradbury said. “We’re doing everything we can within our authorities to streamline, simplify the NEPA process … and all the permitting requirements for projects to accelerate project delivery.”
Bradbury also described a wider regulatory and infrastructure agenda the administration intends to advance in President Donald Trump’s second term, including initiatives designed to improve safety across modes, update fuel‑economy oversight and establish a long‑term funding framework for major projects.
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Roadwork in Kansas City, Mo. Bradbury said a central priority is further accelerating environmental permitting for major projects. (Charlie Riedel/Associated Press)
In trucking, DOT continues to focus enforcement on illegal foreign drivers, English-language proficiency violations and the motor carriers that employ such drivers — efforts DOT views as key to strengthening freight mobility. The department also is moving forward with a congressionally backed update of the air traffic control system.
Bradbury said DOT likewise is working to foster private-sector innovation. The agency is updating federal standards meant to eventually allow certain autonomous vehicles without conventional equipment to operate in the marketplace. DOT recently hosted a national forum on AV driving technologies.
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On Capitol Hill, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R‑Mo.) aims to advance a bipartisan bill by April. It is unclear whether the Republican-led chamber will consider the legislation around Memorial Day. Senate transportation leaders expect to advance their version before the current law expires Sept. 30.
The existing highway law — enacted in 2021 as part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — faces looming revenue strains. The Highway Trust Fund, supported primarily by stagnant federal fuel‑tax rates, is projected to fall short within two years. Congress last raised gas and diesel taxes in 1993.
The chamber framed its forum on March 17 as an opportunity for industry and government officials to emphasize the need for a sustainable, long-term funding strategy.
According to the chamber, the next surface transportation bill should “enhance safety, efficiency and reliability, sustain necessary funding levels, modernize the permitting process and fix the Highway Trust Fund.”
