America’s Transportation Construction Industry Coalition Releases Updated Principles to Guide the Next Transportation Bill

The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC), the united voice of America’s transportation construction industry, on April 28 released updated policy principles to guide Congressional development of the next multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, which funds America’s highways, roads, bridges, multimodal systems, and safety programs.

Representing NUCA and 33 other national trade associations and labor unions across the U.S. transportation construction sector, the coalition is asking Congress to act with urgency and ensure continued investment across federal highway, transit, and multimodal programs. Current funding authorization expires Sept. 30, 2026, which could create uncertainty and risk costly delays if new legislation is not enacted on time.

America’s utility construction industry plays a vital role in highway and bridge construction as a specialized subcontractor, delivering essential infrastructure that supports safe, functional roadways. Contractors perform critical work including trenching, directional boring, and installation of water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunications lines beneath or alongside highways.

In a joint statement, the coalition said, “Americans see and feel the value of federal transportation investments every day, from safer school drop-offs and shorter commutes to high-quality construction jobs that revitalize communities. Our industry is ready to keep delivering these results to every congressional district across the nation. These principles offer a clear framework for Congress to keep America moving for the next five years and beyond.”

The coalition’s updated “Principles for Surface Transportation Reauthorization“ (PDF) are intended to inform and shape Congressional development of the next bill, which provides states, communities, and industries with the certainty required to plan, procure, and deliver critical transportation improvements safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Specifically, TCC is urging Congress to:

• Keep America building by protecting current investment levels and adjusting them for inflation to maintain purchasing power, while enacting project delivery improvements to ensure dollars are efficiently put to use
• Protect workers in construction zones with more resources to help keep construction workers and the traveling public safe while road improvements are made
• Stabilize long-term funding by modernizing federal user fee structures, such as fuel taxes or mileage-based mechanisms, to ensure fair, sustainable revenue streams

As Congress develops the next reauthorization bill, NUCA and the TCC stand ready to provide technical expertise and policy support throughout the legislative process.