Jimmy Patronis cheers on transportation improvement bill funding up to $580B

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis is cheering on the preliminary approval of a congressional bill that would fund about $580 billion in transportation expenditures.

The Panhandle Republican said he’s encouraged by the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development (BUILD) for America’s 250th Act that was cleared by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Thursday and heads to the floor for full consideration.

The bill is an extensive funding package designed to modernize many roads and other infrastructure across the county. The funding would pay for the projects over the next five years.

The bill would fund a litany of transportation projects including rail and other modes of transportation. The roadway improvements would not only include thoroughfares but bridges as well and would establish grant programs earmarked for local transportation projects.

Patronis sits on the transportation panel that approved the bill. He said if the funding gets final approval and passes in the Senate, it’s going to bring dollars to Florida.

“This is a huge win for the people of Northwest Florida,” Patronis said in a news release. “This committee plays a critical role in investing in our nation’s roadways, bridges, and railways. It’s truly an honor to be part of that effort in Congress.”

In addition to providing billions of dollars in infrastructure spending, the measure would also streamline permitting and provide for quicker environmental reviews by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Patronis himself provided an amendment that would cut red tape for automobile haulers that he says are constrained by outdated weight limits. He said those regulations are no longer characteristic of today’s larger and heavier vehicles slowing down transportation of those vehicles across America.

 “This is about common sense. Washington’s outdated rules are slowing down American business and driving up costs. Vehicles are heavier today due to EV (electric vehicles) and hybrid technologies, but weight limits haven’t kept up. That means more trucks on the road and higher costs for consumers, which is dumb and has to change,” Patronis said.

While the measure has traction in the House, the Senate hasn’t moved as rapidly on the measure in that chamber.