Lake County Gazette

The U.S. House passed the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 late last week, with U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Dist. 14) voting with the majority.

Hultgren had been a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and has been an active proponent of a long-term highway-funding deal throughout this year.

“Since my time on the Transportation Committee in the House, I have fought hard to find long-term solutions that provide certainty for Illinois’ state and local governments planning for infrastructure improvements,” Hultgren said. “Over the past months, I have sought the input and expertise of 14th District transportation officials and communities, who know firsthand their infrastructure needs. I have fought hard for their interests to be included in the final bill, including ensuring equity among Chicago, the suburbs and downstate Illinois."

Many of the reforms included in the bill aim to trim red tape, streamline regulations, and shift more authority on transportation maintenance to local and state governments.

The House bill would authorize highway programs for the next six years. If the bill passes the Senate in the same form, it would be the first time in a decade that Congress has passed a highway bill with more than two years of coverage.