The American Trucking Association (ATA), joined by its network of 50 state associations, has directed a compelling plea to every state governor, emphasizing the critical necessity to prioritize truck parking within the allocation of infrastructure spending.
In a comprehensive letter sent to each governor, the ATA and state trucking associations highlighted the influx of new federal resources, notably from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to bolster and expand truck parking facilities nationwide.
The communication emphasized the availability of diverse federal funding sources specifically intended to address the pressing need for improved truck parking solutions. It stressed the eligibility of funding for the construction of new truck parking capacity at rest areas or adjoining private facilities, along with enhancements facilitating increased parking space at unconventional locations like weigh stations and commuter lots.
Referencing a memorandum issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in September 2022, the letter elaborated on various funding resources accessible through federal highway aid programs, including the National Highway Performance Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program, Carbon Reduction Program, and National Highway Freight Program.
Additionally, the communication underscored the possibility for transportation agencies to seek grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation through discretionary programs like the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects Program (INFRA), National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program, Local and Regional Project Assistance Program (RAISE), and Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program.
Moreover, it highlighted the Department of the Treasury’s recent confirmation regarding the eligibility of COVID-19 funds allocated to states and local agencies for infrastructure projects. This confirmation permitted state and local government agencies with unspent Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to allocate a portion for investment in infrastructure, potentially encompassing truck parking facilities.
Emphasizing the urgent need for increased investment in truck parking facilities, the letter highlighted safety concerns impacting truck drivers and the general public. Citing a U.S. Department of Transportation report, it revealed that 98% of truck drivers regularly encounter difficulties in finding secure parking, leading many to resort to unsafe or unauthorized locations. Consequently, this situation forces approximately 70% of drivers to violate federal hours-of-service rules due to inadequate parking availability.
The letter reiterated the indispensable role of truck drivers in society and the economy, underscoring their crucial contribution to delivering essential goods. It urged governors to assess truck parking availability within their states and take immediate action to ensure the provision of safe sleeping spaces for truck drivers, who handle more than 70% of America’s freight.
“We urge you to prioritize assessing and enhancing truck parking facilities within your state. Please ensure safe resting spaces for truck drivers responsible for transporting over 70% of America’s freight. We hope you will utilize the available resources, including federal funding, to address this pressing safety concern,” the letter concluded.
