Last week President Trump hosted a “White House Infrastructure Summit” It was a gathering of the Administration and local leaders from across the country. At this summit the President laid out his vision for future investment in infrastructure. You can view the President’s official plan for infrastructure by clicking here.

The White House rolled out ideas on how to fix our nation’s ailing roads, bridges, schools and water systems in their version of “Infrastructure Week.” Building off the $200 billion in federal investment included in President Donald Trump’s FY2018 budget, ideas such as privatizing air traffic control, streamlining the permitting process, and improving inland waterways were all  highlighted by the president.

While proponents argue the infrastructure proposal would deliver greater control to states and local governments, the proposal appears to back down on a direct investment in infrastructure that cities and the nation desperately need. The result is a mixed bag for cities — some crucial programs shored up, major changes to regulations, and a great deal of funding uncertainty for the future.

The League will continue to stress the following points in our advocacy efforts for increases investment in infrastructure at the federal level.

• Protect the tax exemption for municipal bonds
• The need for direct funding to cities and villages
• Ensure that federally funded programs that communities use to leverage additional investments continue
• Any infrastructure package needs to include roads, bridges, transit, water, electric and broadband

Please consider reaching out and expressing the importance of investing in infrastructure and the need for that investment at the local level.

John LaMacchia is the Assistant Director of State and Federal Affairs for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.