Bill to study changes in highway use introduced for first time in 25 years

Two U.S. Senators have introduced a bill that would analyze the changes in highway use for the first time in almost a quarter of a century.

The Highway Cost Allocation Study Act of 2021 was introduced by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

The Federal Highway Administration has previously conducted similar highway cost allocation studies to evaluate highway-related costs attributable to different vehicles and the extent to which user fees paid by different vehicles cover their highway cost responsibility. The last study was conducted in 1997.

The information collected from the proposed 2021 study would inform decisions to address the Highway Trust Fund’s revenue shortfalls during its next reauthorization cycle.

“Today we have over 50 million more vehicles on the road than we did in 1997,” said Senator Lummis. “It’s critical that we understand how this significant increase is impacting our highway system so we can build a stronger, safer and more efficient system, with a plan to fund it, for the future. This is a bipartisan issue and I’m proud to be working with Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona to look at how our highway system’s use has changed in the last 24 years and how we can make it better for the next 24 years.”

“As an engineer and astronaut, my career has taught me about the importance of having the data to tackle a complex issue,” Senator Kelly said. “I’m working with Senator Lummis to get the facts about our highways to make sure we continue making the investments needed to grow our economy in Arizona and across the U.S.”