Cortez Masto wants bill to enhance transportation technology

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto asked the Senate Science and Transportation Committee on Thursday to hold a hearing on legislation to improve transportation systems in communities, ahead of a possible bipartisan transportation package to be considered in Congress.

Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., filed legislation that would allow more communities to compete for Department of Transportation program funding to enhance transportation systems with new technology.

The bill would provide $500 million over five years and distributed on a competitive basis to rural and urban communities with plans to upgrade transportation systems through technology.

“Updating inefficient transportation systems by applying new technology will help our communities become better connected and improve our way of life,” Cortez Masto said.

The Moving and Fostering Innovation to Revolutionize Smarter Transportation, of Moving First Act, builds on a the SMART Cities program administered by the DOT.

Nevada organizations have backed a permanent program sought by Cortez Masto and Burr, including the Nevada League of Cities, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Nevada Association of Counties, Lyft, Uber and Railroad Passengers Association.

Contact Gary Martin at gmartin@reviewjournal.com or 202-662-7390. Follow @garymartindc on Twitter.