At the end of last week, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., introduced a proposal to expand block grants to rural roads that are used to transport agriculture products.
Hastings brought out the “Farm-to-Market Road Repair Act” which, according to his office, would “expand eligibility for the Surface Transportation Block Grant program to include rural roads that serve to transport agriculture products from farms or ranches to the marketplace.”
The congressman weighed in on why he had introduced the proposal on Friday.
“American agricultural communities play a pivotal role in the economy within my district and across America. These farms and ranches provide the communities they serve with fresh products daily, ensuring consumers have an adequate and healthy food supply,” Hastings said. “Unfortunately, many of the roads are deteriorating. As Congress debates how to move forward with a bold plan to address infrastructure, we need to ensure road-repair projects like these do not fall by the wayside as we seek to address other larger infrastructure projects.”
“Today, I proudly introduced legislation to ensure that these vital rural road projects are eligible for the same federal assistance available to other worthy projects. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure passage of this important legislation,” Hastings added.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which sent it to its Highways and Transit Subcommittee. So far, there is no companion measure in the U.S. Senate and no cosponsors in the House.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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