DOT chief launches infrastructure bus tour in Ohio

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is launching his national bus tour to push lawmakers to approve a new round of road and transit funding with three stops in Ohio on Monday.

Foxx is scheduled to visit Lockbourne, Dayton and Norwood, Ohio, as he argues for a new transportation funding bill.

The bus tour comes as lawmakers face a Sept. 30 deadline to approve new transportation funding before the current legislation expires. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has projected that the transportation department’s Highway Trust Fund will go bankrupt as early as August without congressional action.

{mosads}The DOT has said Foxx will travel to eight states, beginning with Monday’s visit to Ohio, to “make the case for a robust multiyear federal investment as proposed by the Obama Administration that will address the current shortfall and meet the country’s future needs, all without adding to the deficit.” 

“Throughout our history, Americans have always been able to leave their children a brighter future, thanks in part to the opportunities transportation has provided,” Foxx said in a statement announcing the bus tour. “Right now, we are failing our children. We need to not only invest in America, but commit to the future — not only rebuild and repair our roads and bridges, but expand opportunities and economic growth for generations to come.”

Foxx’s bus tour is scheduled to take him to eight states this week, ending on Friday in Dallas.