A new highway bill provides a huge opportunity to Central Valley economy

Originally published in The Fresno Bee

For us in the Central Valley, our infrastructure isn’t keeping up with the demands of our economy. We must repair aging roads and expand congested highways. We see it every day — on Highway 99, I-5, and in our rural communities where critical connections are missing or crumbling. That’s why as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am working to pass a new surface transportation reauthorization bill this year in Congress. For our region, this isn’t just about fixing potholes. It’s about strengthening our economy, improving our supply chains and making sure California’s heartland gets needed investments. The Central Valley feeds the nation. But to keep doing that, we need to move our crops, goods and equipment efficiently. Right now, outdated highways, deteriorating rural roads and freight bottlenecks are slowing us down — driving up costs for producers and consumers alike. Every delay in transportation means lost time, wasted fuel, spoiled products and missed market opportunities.

A new transportation bill gives us the opportunity to rebuild and modernize the infrastructure that keeps our supply chains moving — from farm to processing facility, from warehouse to grocery store shelf. It means investing in the rail lines, highways and freight corridors that connect our agricultural producers to national and international markets. Our road and rail infrastructure is the foundation of our state and nation’s supply chain. And a functioning supply chain is vital to our economic vitality. Strengthening our inland transportation network is critical to avoiding those disruptions in the future. The Central Valley is growing. Our communities rely on strong transportation systems to connect people to jobs, schools and services. Whether it’s repairing a rural bridge or widening a major trucking route, these investments are about improving quality of life and preparing for the next generation of growth. The next surface transportation bill must also include permitting reform. Right now, needed highway projects can take years to get off the ground because of unnecessary red tape. Streamlining that process means we can deliver results faster and stretch taxpayer dollars further. I am working to ensure rural and agricultural communities have their priorities addressed — one that recognizes the essential role regions like the Central Valley play in powering our economy and feeding the world. We must target resources where they have the most impact and put rural America on equal footing. Let’s come together, pass a new surface transportation bill and invest in the backbone of America’s supply chains — right here in the Central Valley.