On Wednesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing to discuss modernizing infrastructure, with a focus on rural communities. The hearing addressed the benefits of rural infrastructure, as well as the investment needs for rural infrastructure development.
While discussing rural financing, Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) stated that public-private partnerships would not help rural communities adequately fund transportation projects. The Chairman went on to say that if there is an infrastructure package proposed by President Trump, direct federal spending is needed for rural communities. Hearing witnesses echoed the Chairman’s call for direct spending.