Trump administration plans to modernize the country’s infrastructure

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Trump administration is kicking off a sweeping new plan to modernize America’s infrastructure and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says it’s about more than just concrete and steel.

“This is about jobs, safety, and how Americans live their lives,” Duffy said during an event at DOT HQ Thursday to launch the administration’s latest infrastructure initiative.

From expanding highways in Missouri to upgrading ports in Pennsylvania, the multi-million-dollar plan tied to the BUILD program is aimed at accelerating projects that have long been stuck in red tape.

“We want to enhance safety and accelerate project delivery,” Duffy said. “We’ve got to go much faster.”

The administration says the investment could total $488 million in federal support. Some projects already have grant funding, while others are still in development.

Duffy also took aim at California’s stalled high-speed rail project, saying, “It took 16 years and $15 billion in California high-speed rail to not lay one track.”

Key Projects Include:

Freight rail modernization in Washington state

Airport infrastructure improvements in North Carolina

Port upgrades in Pennsylvania

Highway expansion in Missouri

Lawmakers backing the effort say it’s about building smarter and faster.

“We’ve got to move these projects along quicker,” said Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Time is money.”

Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.) added that “our infrastructure should reflect the greatness of America.”

Congress will now begin debating how to prioritize the projects and how to pay for them. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced support for modernizing transportation, but the details of funding, environmental review timelines, and project selection could spark a political battle in the months ahead.

“This is the beginning of a new era in infrastructure,” Duffy said. “Let’s build.”