The White House has released a 55-page infrastructure plan that lays out the framework for a $1.5 trillion plan that would rely heavily on public-private partnerships and state and local funding to rebuild "traditional infrastructure" and help strengthen the economy.
The plan highlights six principles to guide Congress in crafting the legislation.
- $200 billion in Federal funds to spur at least $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investments with partners at the State, local, Tribal, and private level.
- New investments will be made in rural America, which has been left behind for too long.
- Decision making authority will be returned to State and local governments.
- Regulatory barriers that needlessly get in the way of infrastructure projects will be removed.
- Permitting for infrastructure projects will be streamlined and shortened.
- America’s workforce will be supported and strengthened.
The plan would use $100 billion to "create an Incentives Program to spur additional dedicated funds from States, localities, and the private sector."
$50 billion would be set aside for the creation of a Rural Infrastructure Program that would give a majority of the money directly to the states allowing them "the flexibility to prioritize their communities’ needs."
A large portion of President Trump's plan deals with eliminating regulations and laws that hamper growth and investment. The plan looks to loosen many federal regulations to give states more opportunities for economic development tied to transportation projects.
Along with cutting regulations, the plan also seeks to streamline and shorten the permitting process for projects across the country. The plan calls for getting the "environmental review process to two years," while eliminating "redundant and inefficient provisions."
The final part of the plan would "reform Federal education and workforce development programs to better prepare Americans to perform the in-demand jobs of today and the future." As part of the plan, Pell Grants would now cover "high-quality, short-term programs that provide students with a certification or credential."
The Democratic National Committee ripped the plan in an email according to The Hill.
Trump’s plan is just another giveaway to corporations and wealthy developers at the expense of American workers, and it fails to address some of the most pressing infrastructure needs our country faces.
The president will meet with lawmakers from both parties on Wednesday to discuss the plan in more detail.
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