05/27/2026

Message from Beth--May 27, 2026

The momentum behind the next federal surface transportation reauthorization took a major step forward last week as the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act, setting the stage for full House consideration in June.  Click here for a summary of the bill.

In early May, ACEC Ohio members joined industry leaders at the ACEC Spring Convention in Washington, DC, where they met directly with House and Senate offices to advocate for a strong, long-term federal transportation reauthorization package. We think our efforts paid off!

Led by Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, the proposal would authorize approximately $580 billion over five years, including $475 billion from the Highway Trust Fund, a 4% increase over current IIJA funding levels. Every state DOT would see increased highway formula funding under the plan.  Click here for DOT funding charts.

The legislation also addresses several long-standing priorities for the engineering industry. Among the highlights are expanded bridge investments and creation of a new Surface Transportation Accelerator Grant program designed to streamline and consolidate discretionary funding opportunities into a more accessible program structure.

The bill further directs FHWA to provide technical guidance and best practices on lump sum contracting. Technology and innovation also receive continued support through reauthorization of both the SMART Grant Program and the Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems program.  The DBE program is reauthorized, replacing the terms “minority- and women-owned business” with “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals”

Importantly, the proposal includes the first new federal transportation user fees in more than three decades through annual registration fees on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, an initial step toward addressing the Highway Trust Fund’s challenges.

While significant work remains as the bill advances through the House, Senate, and eventual conference negotiations, last week’s committee approval marks an important milestone in shaping the nation’s transportation investment priorities for the next five years. We will continue to keep you updated.

See you at the annual meeting on June 11^th!

~Beth