U.S. DOT Allocates $5 Billion for Infrastructure Projects with Focus on Truck Parking
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently unveiled substantial funding for infrastructure projects, allocating nearly $5 billion under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. A notable aspect of this funding includes approximately $300 million dedicated to enhancing safe and accessible truck parking through four distinct projects. These projects aim to address the critical need for truck parking across the nation, improving safety and efficiency for truck drivers.
Key Truck Parking Projects Funded
Florida Project – $180 Million
Objective: Construction of over 900 truck parking spaces along Interstate 4 in Central Florida at four locations spanning Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. This project represents the largest investment among the four, directly addressing the shortage of truck parking in a highly trafficked corridor.
Wisconsin Project – $8 Million
Objective: Reconstruction of a rest area along Interstate 90 in Sparta, increasing the capacity from 16 to 70 parking spots. This expansion, a significant 430% increase, aims to alleviate parking shortages in a key Midwestern route, enhancing the accessibility and safety of rest areas for truck drivers.
Washington State Project – $12 Million
Objective: Deployment of a regional truck parking information management system at 54 facilities along the Interstate 5 corridor in Washington, Oregon, and California. This system is designed to connect truck drivers with available parking spaces, providing real-time information to improve route planning and reduce time spent searching for parking.
Missouri Project – $92 Million
Objective: Improvement of Interstate 70, incorporating new truck parking facilities and advanced truck parking information systems. This project aims to enhance the infrastructure along a major national freight corridor, providing critical support for the trucking industry and boosting overall transportation efficiency.
INFRA Grants and Government Commitment
These truck parking initiatives fall under the INFRA grants, part of the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has augmented INFRA grant funding by over 50%, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing transportation needs and supporting the trucking industry.
“I often hear directly from truck drivers on the serious challenge of finding safe parking, and today, we are answering those concerns with more action,” said Pete Buttigieg, U.S. transportation secretary. “This major investment from President Biden’s infrastructure law will build new truck parking facilities and create smart systems to give drivers better information about available spots.”
Ongoing Challenges and Legislative Efforts
While recent months have seen increased federal funding for truck parking, there remains a pressing need for more substantial investment to tackle the nationwide truck parking crisis. In response, Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., reintroduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (HR2367). This legislation proposes allocating $755 million over three years for the construction of parking spots. Importantly, the bill stipulates that funded projects must offer publicly accessible and free-of-charge parking, excluding paid options, to ensure equitable access for all truck drivers.
Advocacy and Support
“I know we’re all frustrated by the difficulty getting the truck parking bill passed, but these grants (and the two major ones before them) wouldn’t be happening without the work of OOIDA and the grassroots support of its members over the years,” said Lewie Pugh, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association’s executive vice president. “These are by no means home runs, but they still demonstrate how determined advocacy can lead to incremental success.”
As of January 25, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act boasts 46 co-sponsors. To encourage further support, you can click this link, fill out the attached form, and have it automatically sent to federal lawmakers. Continued advocacy and legislative support remain essential to fully addressing the truck parking shortage and enhancing the safety and efficiency of the nation’s trucking industry.
