Congressman John Garamendi announced on May 22 that he secured several key provisions for California in the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act, also known as the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R.8870). The legislation is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that aims to invest in roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway safety programs across the country.
The bill’s passage is significant because it addresses critical infrastructure needs and provides resources to modernize transportation systems. According to Garamendi, “America’s economy is nothing without our infrastructure. I’m proud to have secured essential provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act that will improve the lives of my constituents as much as the roads they drive, the bridges they cross and the trains they ride. This bipartisan bill will restore our aging bridges and repair crumbling roads to build out safe, accessible transit and bike infrastructure.” He also said, “No legislation of this scope is perfect, and while I am disappointed it does not include all my amendments, I am committed to building on the work that has been done and I am glad that this Committee was able to come to an agreement that will benefit Californians.”
Among his contributions are extensions for deadlines related to federal emergency relief funds for both highway (from two years to four) and public transportation projects (from two years to five), giving state and local governments more time after disasters or emergencies. The act also permanently extends a program allowing states like California greater flexibility by using state environmental review processes instead of duplicative federal reviews.
The legislation requires a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation on best practices for addressing corrosion on weathering steel bridges—a costly issue affecting public safety nationwide—and preserves low-interest financing options for airport projects through TIFIA credit assistance programs.
The BUILD America 250 Act guarantees $3.75 billion over five years toward Safe Streets grants; protects funding set aside for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; allows local communities flexibility with matching funds; creates a national regulatory framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles; supports workforce standards; encourages accountability; allocates nearly $83 billion over five years directly supporting local community projects; continues competitive grant programs; enhances planning fund access for metropolitan organizations; and improves funding flows across community sizes.
Garamendi has represented California’s 8th District since replacing Ellen Tauscher in Congress in 2009 according to Congress.gov. He previously served in both chambers of California’s legislature from 1974 through 1990 according to Congress.gov. Born in Camp Blanding, Florida in 1945 but now residing in Walnut Grove at age seventy-eight according to Congress.gov, Garamendi holds degrees from University of California Berkeley (1966) and Harvard University (1970).
As lawmakers look ahead following committee approval of this measure, observers anticipate further debate as these provisions move forward toward final passage.
