Rep. Crawford Questions Stakeholders about Infrastructure Permitting Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov)

Rep. Crawford Questions Stakeholders about Infrastructure Permitting Reform

March 28, 2023 

Washington – Today, Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01), questioned infrastructure stakeholders in the first subcommittee hearing of the 118^th Congress. The hearing, titled “Reviewing the Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)” focused on oversight of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that was signed into law last year.

IIJA included permitting reforms known as One Federal Decision, which is intended to streamline the process of receiving permits to begin infrastructure projects. Obtaining a permit has historically been a long process that can delay projects. Due to high inflation, the costs of these projects can increase significantly during these project delays. In response to Rep. Crawford’s questions, stakeholders indicated that they have yet to see the Department of Transportation (DOT) changes in action, but emphasized the importance of speeding up the permitting process.

To watch Rep. Crawford’s full line of questioning, please click HERE. 

“As states and industry continue to face persistently high inflation, it’s important we address needless delays in permitting to ensure projects can move forward expeditiously. Congress must continue to do oversight to ensure that these permitting reforms work as intended, so these infrastructure funds don’t continue to lose value as project managers battle through red tape,” said Rep. Crawford.

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