ARTBA Chair Joins Sec. Duffy to Build Momentum for Surface Transportation Reauthorization

ARTBA Chairman Jeff Nelson (left) speaks to U.S. DOT Sec. Sean Duffy (seated across at right). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) President Garrett Eucalitto of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and member of ARTBA’s Transportation Officials Division, is pictured at right.

What happened: ARTBA Chairman Jeff Nelson of David Nelson Construction July 17 urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to pursue sensible reforms during a roundtable discussion with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on surface transportation reauthorization.

Duffy told Nelson and other transportation construction industry stakeholders the administration wants to focus on project delivery improvements and reiterated his desire to build more with less money. Nelson highlighted ARTBA’s reauthorization priorities, including Buy America regulations, making work zones safer, concerns with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s pending heat rule and the need for growing, not decreasing, investment.

The roundtable was followed by a rally at DOT headquarters that featured construction equipment courtesy of ARTBA member Wagman, Inc. The event launched the administration’s reauthorization effort and featured speakers included members of Congress. Senior DOT officials touted the opening of a portal for citizens to submit reauthorization recommendations.

Why it’s important: The House and Senate have already begun the surface transportation reauthorization process well in advance of current law’s Sept. 30, 2026 deadline. Having the administration pushing for a new law to be enacted on time should prove helpful.

What’s next: ARTBA staff July 9 briefed Federal Highway Administration officials on the association’s reauthorization priorities and will continue working with the administration and Congress to advance the industry’s goals.