Trust Fund Shortfall May Affect Road, Bridge Repairs, Mendez Says
The daily payments states receive from the Highway Trust Fund for repairs could be made only weekly or twice a month if the fund isn’t replenished, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez told state highway officials.
“Unless we shore up the trust fund, we will have no other choice than to pay the states less frequently for road and bridge repairs,” Mendez told highway officials from 38 states and the District of Columbia in a conference call Tuesday, the Department of Transportation said.
Officials estimate that unless Congress takes action to replenish the fund, it will run out by the end of August. The Highway Trust Fund reimburses states about $40 billion each year for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects.
