NJTPA Update Blog

Infrastructure could benefit from a swirl of changes taking place in Washington, D.C., according to Erich Zimmermann, Deputy Director of the National Association of Regional Council (NARC).

Zimmermann, who is also NARC’s Director of Transportation Programs, presented a Federal Transportation Policy and Legislative Outlook at Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting.

He cited the new administration, shift in control of the U.S. Senate, and efforts to drive economic development as the nation works to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic among the factors that could lead to infrastructure investment.

While the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill does not include funding for bridges or highways, Zimmerman said NARC expects infrastructure to be at the center of a COVID recovery package, which could include funding for roads and bridges, transit, electrical grids and broadband and more.

Zimmerman also noted that the Biden Administration has indicated it supports the Gateway Program, which would improve capacity along the Northeast Corridor. Related projects could see funding in the future.

Watch the full presentation below.