Keeping projects moving in an environment of flux.

Michael D. D’Ambra • CIRI President

Unlike most other federal programs which are supported by the General Fund (GF), the federal highway program and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) employees are supported by the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) — along with advance appropriations included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Since IIJA-authorized trust fund expenditures for FY 2022 through FY 2026 have ensured the HTF has sufficient resources to support these investments, these programs should continue to operate without an FY 2026 appropriations bill in place.

On the other hand, the initial five-year authorization of federal surface transportation programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is set to expire on September 30, 2026. As an active member of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), CIRI will again advocate strongly for a five-year reauthorization of the IIJA to cover the years FY 2027 through FY 2032. Key priorities are to maintain or increase funding levels to counteract the significant effects of inflation — along with exploration of more sustainable and equitable user fees for road usage and alternative fuel vehicles.

As always, we will keep CIRI members apprised of the latest developments in the funding and appropriations arena. We also urge our members to voice their support to our elected officials on the national, regional and local levels.

Sincerely,

Michael D. D’Ambra
CIRI President