Executive Order Streamlines Permitting and Review Processes to Bring Transportation Projects Online Faster

AUSTIN – Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III praised Tuesday’s new federal Executive Order streamlining the permitting and review process for infrastructure projects.

“I applaud the action to expedite the environmental review process for infrastructure projects across this country,” Mr. Austin said. “As we have seen in Texas, critical projects become hampered by a review process that can often be delayed by lengthy and redundant federal agency reviews. The Texas Department of Transportation looks forward to working with the federal government to implement what we expect will be a more focused and accountable two-year review process.”

“In Texas, we sincerely appreciate the priority that this administration is placing on our nation's infrastructure and for improving a cumbersome permitting process,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “This order comes at a critical time as the Texas Department of Transportation continues to move ahead with projects that will help ease congestion and improve economic opportunity for our state.”

James Bass, TxDOT Executive Director, added, “The Texas Department of Transportation commends the signing of the Executive Order setting a two-year goal for the federal government to complete the permitting process for infrastructure projects. This Executive Order will have a significant impact in helping to expedite the delivery of transportation projects. This action will assist states like Texas that have been able to take on more environmental review authority from the Federal Highway Administration and move projects through the review process in a more expedited fashion, thus delivering projects ahead of schedule and under budget while maintaining environmental safeguards.”

To read about the Executive Order, visit https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot6617.

For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.