Additional Roads & Bridges Funding for FY 2022

Congress passed final FY 2022 funding legislation for the Federal Government (March 10, 2022) that included an $11.5 billion, 23.5% increase for formula grant and other highway and bridge infrastructure funding.

In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was enacted providing $110 billion in new funding (i.e., funding over regular annual funding) spread out over five years for roads, bridges, and related major projects.

(updated: 3-15-22)

_________________________

Roadway Safety Strategy

The Department of Transportation released a National Roadway Safety Strategy (January 2022). The Strategy includes specific Federal actions by the Department to be implemented in the coming years, built around a vision outcome goal of zero road deaths. Nearly 38,700 persons died in roadway-related deaths in 2020, more than 7% above the 2019 level. Deaths in 2021 are running 12% above the 2020 level, with 31,720 deaths recorded between January and September 2021.

So-called "Vision Zero" plans have been developed by many localities , and this Strategy is intended to provide a Federal layer of support toward a zero deaths vision goal. The Infrastructure Act includes a $5 billion for "Safe Streets for All" competitive grants to States and localities that will fund State and local activities. 

Some noteworthy examples of the specific actions of the plan outside of Infrastructure Act funding:

• Improve the accuracy of Commercial Drivers License (CDL) records, and implement 2021 final rules that address State exchange of CDL information and the required use Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse information in making liscensing decisions.

• Complete a rulemaking process updating standards for traffic control devices "to promote the safety, inclusion, and mobility of all users and provide for the protection of vulnerable road users."

• Initiate a rulemaking process to require Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking technologies on new passenger vehicles, and a rulemaking to require Automatic Emergency Braking technologies on heavy trucks.

• In guidance and regulations, provide noteworthy practices for re-engineering roads to slow down vehicles rather than relying primarily on enforcement to manage speeding. Promote speed safety cameras as a proven safety countermeasure.

• Advance Traffic Incident Management training and technologies targeted at improved emergency medical services responder and motorist safety.

(updated: 2-2-22)

_________________________

Infrastructure Act - Trucking Safety

The Infrastructure Bill trucking safety provisions, including a couple of key regulatory provisions:

• A requirement that the Department of Transportation (DOT) prescribe a motor vehicle safety standard and accompanying performance requirements within two years for automatic emergency braking systems for heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles, and to require that systems installed in such vehicles be in use during operation.

• A requirement that DOT strengthen rear underride guard standards and amend regulations on minimum periodic inspection standards and reports to include rear impact guards and rear-end protection.

(updated: 2-2-22)

_________________________

Motor Carrier Drivers & Drug Testing

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, there are more than 69,937 (August 2022) current Commercial Drivers License (CDL)/Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) drivers in prohibited status due to positive drug tests. This is down from more than 89,600 in similar prohbited status in March, though the number of CDL/CLP holders has also declined, to 2.3 million CDL/CLP holders from 2.8 million in March.

(updated: 9-11-22)

_________________________