By Louis Martin, RCAC staff writer

Last month, Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced legislation that would create a new department within the federal government. The Rural Economic Infrastructure Equity Act of 2019 proposes to create an Office of Rural Economic Investment, under the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Currently, the DOT is the defacto government agency on rural transportation infrastructure, but Durbin says a central agency is needed. The new agency’s responsibilities would include establishing a rural advisory council comprised of various community leaders from around the country.

Read the full story here: https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/15426-rural-economic-infrastructure-equity-act-proposes-new-federal-office-for-rural-america/