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County leaders tell subcommittee rural roads need flexibility, fewer permitting delays and targeted grants
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Summary
A National Association of Counties witness told the House subcommittee counties own a large share of the nation’s roads and bridges and urged streamlining federal permitting, more flexible grant rules and better access to funding for rural priorities.
Commissioner Jim Wilcox, speaking for the National Association of Counties, told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit that counties are major owners of the nation’s transportation network and face unique operational constraints in rural areas.
"Counties themselves are very diverse and have a wide range of responsibilities," Wilcox said, adding that "counties own or operate 44% of the public roads and 38% of the bridges." He told members that in Wyoming "we have over 500 miles of gravel roads" in a single county and that rural surfaces need different treatments such as longer culverts, dust suppression and regular blading rather than rumble strips and centerlines.
Wilcox also emphasized federal permitting and review as a recurring barrier. He described a county project delayed by U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management permitting requirements and urged Congress to expand categorical exclusions and streamline processes so rural counties can complete needed safety and paving projects more quickly.
On funding, Wilcox said direct formula dollars sometimes leave small rural counties unable to afford large, one‑time capital projects and encouraged a balanced approach: consistent pass‑through funds for routine maintenance and available competitive grants for larger investments. "There is a tremendous opportunity in this upcoming surface transportation bill to hear from leaders at all levels of government, to strengthen our partnership, and to protect our communities," Wilcox said.
