Warnock, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Red Tape, Fast Track Transit Projects in Georgia

Senators Reverend Warnock and Lee introduced the bipartisan Streamline Transit Projects Act to speed completion of transit projects and improve the transit ridership experience

The legislation helps states address construction challenges typically associated with traffic congestion and air quality by providing greater flexibility to state agencies to shorten project timelines

Senator Reverend Warnock: "By delivering transit projects faster, we can continue to invest in a brighter, more connected future for all who call Georgia home"

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Streamline Transit Projects Act to speed completion of transit projects and improve the transit ridership experience. The legislation will help states address construction challenges typically associated with traffic congestion and air quality by providing greater flexibility to state agencies to shorten protect implementation timelines.

"This bipartisan legislation will give transit agencies new tools to more quickly deliver projects that meet local needs and improve the ridership experience," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "By delivering transit projects faster, we can continue to invest in a brighter, more connected future for all who call Georgia home."

"Utah's transit projects will be better off without the federal government meddling in every decision and holding up construction," said Senator Mike Lee. "Right now, our local officials take responsibility for environmental reviews on highway construction - but are forced to use the federal government when it comes to transit. My Streamline Transit Projects Act will give this authority back to the states to make construction timelines faster and quality better. Don't tread on our TRAX!"

"Right now, simple transit projects can get tied up in years of red tape. Arizonans shouldn't have to wait that long for basic upgrades,"said Senator Mark Kelly."Our bill cuts needless delays for low-impact projects by letting qualified local agencies handle routine environmental work, so commuters see the benefits sooner."

"Utah is growing-and for good reason," said Senator John Curtis."People are drawn here by our strong economy, vibrant communities, and healthy environment. But with that growth comes challenges we must face head-on. The Streamline Transit Projects Act gives transit agencies the flexibility to meet local needs more efficiently. In Utah, that means we can move faster on projects that connect people, reduce traffic, and protect the environment we all treasure."

"MARTA appreciates Senator Warnock's leadership in co-leading this important bipartisan legislation," said Jonathan Hunt, MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO."Reducing unnecessary administrative hurdles will help us accelerate project approvals and deliver high-quality transit to the metro Atlanta region more efficiently. We strongly support efforts to modernize federal processes, streamline environmental reviews, and strengthen program flexibility. These commonsense updates will help transit agencies such as MARTA move projects forward faster, expand mobility options, and enhance safety and security for the customers we serve."

Senator Warnock has consistently pushed for expanded transit access in the state of Georgia and nationwide. Senator Warnock secured key provisions in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to update and improve a key federal transportation grant program that will help strengthen public transportation in Georgia and bolster essential efforts to expand transit in communities across the state.

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