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As part of the 51�Թ���’s  to secure essential infrastructure legislation, we have been speaking with members of Congress about their legislative priorities. This week, we  with Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) about his work promoting surface transportation reauthorization and its importance for his district.

The near term: Rep. Rouzer emphasized the importance of the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill, which will “achieve more timely project delivery, improved roadway safety and the strengthening of formula funding. …”

• “In my home state of North Carolina, and across the country, bottlenecks result in delay and additional costs for families, businesses and workers alike,” he continued. “That’s why I’m focused on commonsense permitting reform, better project delivery and giving states the funding certainty and flexibility they need to address their most pressing infrastructure challenges.”

The urgency: Rep. Rouzer noted that the current surface transportation law expires on Sept. 30. Passing it on time will provide “funding certainty” to states as they plan infrastructure projects, he said.

• In addition, “Congress has the responsibility to pass a strong, multiyear reauthorization bill to keep projects moving, ensure the sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars and strengthen the reliability of America’s transportation system.”

In North Carolina: When asked about the benefits of the bill for his constituents, Rep. Rouzer said that “Southeastern North Carolina depends on safe, efficient transportation to support its ports, coastal economy and the daily movement of people and goods to and from manufacturing hubs across the region…”

• “Good infrastructure also improves quality of life. Whether one is commuting to work, traveling between counties, getting supplies to a job site or evacuating during a hurricane, dependable roads and bridges matter,” he added.

Why the 51�Թ��� matters: Rep. Rouzer concluded by emphasizing the importance of the 51�Թ���’s advocacy, in response to a question about the association’s role in helping get this bill passed. “The 51�Թ��� plays an important role by helping connect infrastructure policy to real-world needs of the economy,” he said.

• “I appreciate the 51�Թ���’s engagement to ensure all members of Congress understand the importance of a good and timely surface reauthorization bill that benefits their districts and the country as a whole. I look forward to our continued work together to achieve this.”