Central ND News

Under the existing rules, state departments of transportation (DOTs) must submit a comprehensive Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) every four years to the Federal Highway Administration. These TAMPs serve as essential planning and budgeting documents to guarantee the long-term management of infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Besides these TAMPs, state DOTs are obligated to file another set of annual reports which reiterate much of the planning already included in the TAMPs. These annual submissions have been criticized as labor-intensive and cumbersome.

In response, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have introduced the Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act (TAMSA). This proposed legislation aims to eliminate the redundant annual reports by incorporating them into the TAMPs submitted every four years. Additionally, the bill proposes allowing more time for states to address any deficiencies, aligning with the existing 90-day deficiency cure period for TAMPs. The bill also offers the Secretary of Transportation the discretion to extend this period upon state request.

Senator Cramer expressed his support, stating, “Our bill reduces red tape, easing the burden on state DOTs so they can spend more time actually maintaining roads and bridges instead of filing unnecessary reports.” He added that it is a pragmatic approach to reducing bureaucracy while ensuring that states manage their infrastructure responsibly.

Senator Kelly echoed these sentiments, emphasizing, “States shouldn’t have to waste time on redundant federal paperwork when they could be focused on maintaining safe and reliable roads and bridges.” He believes streamlining these requirements will allow more resources to be directed towards infrastructure improvements, benefiting communities while maintaining necessary oversight.

The bill has garnered support from various state DOTs, including the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), whose spokesperson stated, “Thank you, Senator Cramer, for working to reduce federal red tape for State DOTs," and emphasized that the proposed changes would save significant work hours for NDDOT.

The initiative is also supported by national transportation organizations, highlighted by the statement, “The nation's state departments of transportation are uniquely equipped to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain a robust program of transportation investments." Acknowledging the efforts of Senators Cramer and Kelly to modernize and streamline federal reporting requirements, they noted the bill would help state DOTs focus more effectively on maintaining infrastructure efficiently and economically.

The full text of the bill can be accessed online.