WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., participated in a discussion Friday on transportation infrastructure and how to make construction projects easier for companies.
The event also included an announcement from President Donald Trump regarding reforms to modernize highways, railways and rivers.
Trump said his administration is aiming to speed up bureaucratic processes, which could include setting up a council for helping project managers. An online tool to track the permitting process would also be created
According to a White House release, the permitting time would be shortened from 10 years to two years.
“I appreciated President Trump’s offer to join him today for this important announcement and know his vision and leadership will produce results,” Jenkins said in a statement. “As go the roads, so go the jobs — and we need more of both in West Virginia.”
I appreciated @POTUS offer to join him today for his important announcement on cutting red tape for infrastructure investment. pic.twitter.com/hEGKTZMhQb
— Rep. Evan Jenkins (@RepEvanJenkins) June 9, 2017
The announcement concluded “Infrastructure Week” for Trump. The president announced Wednesday plans to dedicate $200 billion of his budget for infrastructure projects. The work would be part of a larger $1 trillion investment plan.
Multiple efforts would be made to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, including providing cities and states with grants for individual needs. Trump signed a memo Monday supporting plans to privatize air traffic control.
“It took only four years to build the Golden Gate Bridge and five years to build the Hoover Dam, but today it can take 10 years just to get the approvals and permits needed to build a major infrastructure project,” Trump said.
“Infrastructure Week” was overshadowed by former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Comey said Thursday he believed he was fired because of the FBI’s investigation into Russia’s influence in the 2016 presidential election.