Business Community to Congress: Lack of Multi-Year Highway Bill Could Harm State Economies

What’s happening: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with ARTBA, launched an interactive map showing the impact federal transportation has on each state’s economy and what’s at stake if Congress fails to reauthorize surface transportation programs.

Why it matters: The 2021 infrastructure law is set to expire Sept. 30, which would leave state departments of transportation without the long-term funding certainty needed to sustain investment, support jobs, and keep projects moving.

“If Congress fails to act, the consequences will be immediate and far-reaching: delayed projects, worsening infrastructure, and lost jobs in communities across the country,” said the Chamber.

Key takeaways: 

• Federal funding accounts for anywhere from 11% to 69% of state road and bridge spending, with rural states most dependent.
• Trucking dominates freight movement in nearly every state, often carrying 70–85% of shipped goods by volume.
• Structurally deficient bridges remain a persistent problem — Iowa leads at 19.2%, with Louisiana, Maine, and Illinois not far behind.

What’s next: Check out the interactive map to see how your state is impacted and share this information with your members of Congress when they are back home during the August recess.