As Summer Travel Season Ramps Up, Pappas Calls on DOT to Preserve FHWA Staffing Levels to Support Infrastructure Needs, Improve Roadway Safety

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led a group of his colleagues in calling on Secretary Duffy to halt efforts to reduce staffing levels at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These reductions could result in the closure of state-level FHWA division offices, threatening the ability of the Department of Transportation to do its job, including the execution of critical public safety initiatives as the busy summer travel season ramps up. 

In the letter, the lawmakers called attention to the reality that “The Administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce have already resulted in profound interruptions to the operations of FHWA division offices. In states like North Carolina and Texas, division workforces have been reduced by 50 and 60 percent respectively… These cuts are hindering division offices’ effectiveness, jeopardizing public safety, and threatening the critical work of the entire agency.”

They closed by calling awareness to the fact that “Gutting the FHWA’s workforce indiscriminately will make our communities less safe. Division offices must be given the support and staffing necessary to complete their vital work ensuring infrastructure stability and civilian safety. We urge the DOT to reevaluate its efforts to reduce staffing levels at the DOT and ensure that FHWA division offices have the proper staff to support the agency’s vital work.”

Read the full letter here.