Federal Proposals for Transportation Reauthorization

Every five years, Congress considers new surface transportation legislation. The current authorization—the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—is set to expire on September 30, 2026. As Congress begins drafting the next reauthorization, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure invited the Ports-to-Plains Alliance to submit proposals. Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3) also reached out to explore ideas to advance Nebraska and other sections of the Corridor not yet designated as Future Interstate Highways.

In response, the Alliance developed and submitted three federal proposals:

1. Multi-State Future Interstate Highway Formula Program
2. Future Interstate Feasibility Study for the Heartland Expressway, Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, and remaining segments of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor
3. Future Interstate Designation and Route Numbering for those same corridors

Each of these proposals supports a bold national vision to complete the Interstate System, connect rural America, and enhance economic competitiveness across North America.