Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego visited Washington, D.C., on Wednesday and urged Congress to not only renew federal transportation funding that is set to expire next year, but to give more of that money directly to cities.
Gallego testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to discuss the need to renew surface transportation funding that provides states and local governments with money for infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Congress last authorized a new surface transportation funding package in 2021 when it passed the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
Gallego told senators the money is needed to ensure the transportation system in Phoenix can keep up with the city’s growing population and support new businesses, like the semiconductor industry.
She said federal funds also help ensure Phoenix adapts to increasing temperatures.
“The PROTECT program … helps us with infrastructure that may literally melt because of the heat,” Gallego said, referring to the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Program. “It allows us to invest in more advanced building materials that are more heat resilient and also don’t maintain the heat as much.”
Gallego also asked senators to consider allocating more money directly to cities this time around, rather than giving most of those funds to states.
“More than 75% of road miles are owned by cities and counties,” she said. “In addition, local governments own and operate more than half of our bridges and the majority of our public transit systems. Local leaders drive the same roads as our constituents every day, and we’re well equipped to determine where to make key investments.”
The 2021 law provided $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure projects to states and local governments. Gallego asked Congress to maintain or increase that funding before the legislation expires next year.
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