Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Bill to Promote Transparency and Accountability in Transportation Projects

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced the introduction of the Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act (HR 7962), a bill to make sure that transportation projects are funded because they better local communities, not because of political connections.

"Given the high cost of transportation projects and the serious need around the country for infrastructure improvements, the public deserves to know how transportation agencies, states, and metropolitan planning organizations decide which projects receive funding," said Congressman DeSaulnier. "Increased transparency and accountability in the selection process would restore public confidence and make sure decisions are made to benefit everyone, not to fund pet projects."

The Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act would require states and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to rank transportation projects based on how they support state and national goals. Currently, most state transportation agencies have limited or no established criteria guiding spending on transportation projects, which makes it challenging for the public to understand how their tax dollars are spent or how additional investment might improve their daily commute. Requiring projects to be assessed using objective criteria will ensure that limited transportation resources are invested in projects that provide the highest return on public investment.

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