Keeping an intense focus on IIJA reauthorization.
ARTBA blueprint provides vision with detailed recommendations.
On September 30, 2026, the highly successful Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) is set to expire. In May, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) released a detailed policy paper with industry recommendations for a five-year reauthorization to extend the IIJA — also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) — through September 2031. This blueprint, titled Moving America Forward, represents a unified, outcome-oriented vision based on policy and revenue recommendations from the public and private sectors. The four major pillars of the ARTBA policy paper are:
Investment
As the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives consider the next long-term highway and public transit bill in 2026, lawmakers must take decisive action. Recommendations within the Moving America Forward position paper include:
User fees. Increasing current user fees or introducing new user fees, based on system use, that generate recurring revenue dedicated to highway and transit improvements. These include usage charges for EVs and hybrids, which do not pay into the gas-tax oriented Highway Trust Fund (HTF) — freight fees for vehicles delivering consumer goods — and registration fees based on vehicle weight.
Offsetting inflation. A minimum investment goal of offsetting the impact of historic inflation over the past four years.
Spring Brooke Bridge in North Smithfield carrying Route 146 over Route 146A.
Project Delivery
A strong partnership that maximizes states’ flexibility will turn federal investment into action more quickly, eliminating inefficiencies that delay projects and dilute outcomes. Ideas to accomplish this include a return to the 90-10 ratio of formula funds to discretionary and allocated grant funds — refraining from dictating project delivery decisions involving procurement methods and product/material choices — and streamlining the USDOT application and agreement process.
Innovation. By streamlining regulatory processes, reforming outdated mandates, and leveraging technology, Congress can cut costs and reduce delays without compromising important environmental protections. Recommendations in this section include cutting red tape for environmental reviews, facilitating exploration of innovative contracting methods, and accelerating adoption of digital construction.
Workforce. The success of infrastructure projects depends on a highly-trained and safety-focused workforce. ARTBA’s recommendations for Congress include increased investment for research, technology and education programs — expanding the Highway Construction Training Program to accommodate more states and encourage partnering with existing state workforce programs — and strengthening roadway work zone safety to create an improved driving culture that benefits all roadway users including motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
To review and/or download a PDF of the full ARTBA blueprint policy paper, visit:
https://www.artba.org/advocacy/transportation-infrastructure-in-america/reauthorization/
