Erich Zimmermann

Erich Zimmermann

Erich manages the National Association of Regional Council’s transportation portfolio, advocating for the issues important to members in Congress and the Administration. In addition to transportation policy experience, Erich also has extensive experience in issues related to the federal budget and appropriations.

New Transportation Reauthorization Bill Released

May 25, 2021

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee over the weekend released a new reauthorization bill that is very similar to the bill it passed two years ago, which died from inaction from other committees. This new bill provides $304 billion in contract authority, some 90% of which goes out through formula. Though some proposed programs were eliminated from the earlier version of the bill, several notable new programs remain, including new apportionment programs focused on carbon reduction and resilience. What follows is a brief rundown of some of the more relevant items in the bill.

black woman in mask entering metro train

Biden Infrastructure Plan Summary

April 1, 2021

Biden Announces American Jobs PlanYesterday afternoon President Biden introduced his American Jobs Plan in Pittsburgh. This wide-ranging proposal would invest in transportation infrastructure of all types, affordable housing, public schools, colleges and childcare facilities, VA hospitals, water, electricity transmission, electric vehicles, broadband, workforce development and more.  Plan Overview:According to the initial outline released by the administration, the plans seeks to: create millions of

House Democrats Release “Moving Forward Framework”

January 30, 2020

House Democrats today released a framework for infrastructure investments (“Moving Forward Framework”) that includes transportation reauthorization, broadband, aviation, wastewater, and drinking water. The total investment contained in the package is $760 billion over five years (see the chart at the bottom for a breakdown of how these funds are distributed by program).

What’s Next for the Senate EPW Committee’s Highway Title?

August 9, 2019

The push for transportation reauthorization has begun, with approximately 15 months before the current authorizing legislation – the FAST Act – expires. This early start to the process can be ascribed to two systemic challenges Congress faces in getting a final bill across the finish line.

AASHTO’s Executive Director Announces Retirement

May 31, 2018

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Executive Director Frederick G. “Bud” Wright announced last week that he plans to retire at the end of 2018. Wright was appointed Executive Director in November 2012 and previously served as executive director for the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2008. He also led AASHTO

It’s Infrastructure Week!

May 14, 2018

This week, hundreds of elected, nonprofit, business, and community leaders will host events to advocate one message: “Americans are waiting. The future won’t. It’s #TimeToBuild.” Every day of Infrastructure Week, local, state, and national stakeholders will highlight the projects, technologies, and policies that are necessary to improve our country’s infrastructure. To participate in this week-long

AACOG to Host CarFit Event

May 14, 2018

This week, Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) will co-host a CarFit event with many stakeholders in their region. CarFit is a free, interactive, and educational program that uses trained volunteers to assess the safest “fit” for older drivers and their vehicles. Simple improvements that help improve driver safety and community mobility include educating the

National Dialogue on Highway Automation

May 10, 2018

FHWA launched a National Dialogue on Highway Automation. The program includes five upcoming workshops hosted around the country concerning different areas of highway autonomation. FHWA plans to include a broader range of stakeholders to inform FHWA’s role in automation and national research, policy, and programs to aid in the development of the technology. The Launch

MAPC Selects LimeBike, Spin for 15-Community Regional Bike Share System

April 23, 2018

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in Boston, MA recently incorporated a dockless bike share system in their region. MAPC selected LimeBike and Spin as the two vendors that would provide users the ability to pick up and drop off a bike virtually anywhere in their fifteen participating communities. MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen said,

Long-Term FAA Reauthorization Bill Introduced in House

April 19, 2018

Last Friday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, which would reauthorize FAA through FY 2023. Attached to the bill are provisions of the bipartisan Disaster Recovery Reform Act previously passed by the House that makes changes to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policy. The FAA