Infrastructure Investments ‘Something We Will Agree On’ With Trump, Says Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper
WASHINGTON — Proposals designed to increase funding for infrastructure projects could bring together most governors and the Trump administration, Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) said Feb. 24.
“Infrastructure is a great example of where I think everyone agrees,” Hickenlooper told a Politico reporter at an event the newspaper hosted.
“The early signs are that, I think, Secretary [Elaine] Chao is open to this [and] will be aggressive at trying to get resources for this. I think that’s something we will agree on,” Hickenlooper added.
Governors have convened in Washington, D.C., this weekend for the National Governors Association’s winter conference. On Feb. 26, Hickenlooper will lead a panel on infrastructure with Gov. Doug Ducey (R-Ariz.) that will feature Chao, President Trump’s secretary of transportation.
More than a dozen states this year are considering funding options, such as raising taxes on fuel and setting up tolls, to finance big-ticket highway projects. The New Jersey Legislature last year enacted Republican Gov. Chris Christie's proposed increase in the state fuel tax. The trucking industry and freight stakeholders support raising fuel taxes to fund such projects.
Trump has stressed the need to invest in infrastructure. During his election campaign, he pledged to unveil during his first 100 days in office a plan that would generate a $1 trillion investment over 10 years through tax credits for investors.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters Feb. 23 that Trump will outline a vision for rebuilding structurally deficient infrastructure when he addresses Congress on Feb. 28.
“The infrastructure projects and priorities that the president has talked about, whether it’s air control and our airports, or the roads and bridges, will be something that he’s going to work with DOT but also talk about in his budget,” Spicer said.
