Kelly, Cramer Introduce Bill to Cut Red Tape for State DOTs
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced the Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act (TAMSA) to make it easier for state departments of transportation to report back to the Federal Highway Administration. This bipartisan bill eliminates the required annual reports and incorporates them into the Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) submissions that are due every four years. The bill also provides states additional time to remedy any deficiencies, to match the 90-day TAMP deficiency cure period, and allows the Secretary of Transportation to extend this period upon the request of a state.
TAMPs are intended to ensure effective management and long-term functionality of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and the National Highway System. State DOTs are also required to file separate annual reports with information about the implementation of their TAMPs.
“States shouldn’t have to waste time on redundant federal paperwork when they could be focused on maintaining safe and reliable roads and bridges,” said Kelly. “Streamlining these requirements means more time and resources go directly into improving infrastructure that communities depend on every day, while ensuring appropriate oversight.”
“Our bill reduces red tape, easing the burden on state DOTs so they can spend more time actually maintaining roads and bridges instead of filing unnecessary reports,” said Cramer. “It’s a commonsense, responsible way to get rid of bureaucracy while ensuring states remain responsible stewards of their infrastructure.”
“The nation’s state departments of transportation are uniquely equipped to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain a robust program of transportation investments,” said American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Executive Director Jim Tymon. “We very much appreciate Senator Cramer’s efforts to streamline and modernize reporting requirements associated with transportation asset management plans. By removing this federal program burden, the bill will enable state DOTs to place even greater focus on ensuring state of good repair and reducing lifecycle costs.”
Click here for bill text.
