U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) brought together business leaders, transportation professionals and government officials in Wilmington on Wednesday to rally support for a new federal surface transportation bill aimed at funding critical infrastructure projects over the next five years.
Speaking at a roundtable and press conference outside of the Coastal Beverage Company — a local distribution hub with about 150 commercial drivers — Rouzer emphasized the urgent need to reauthorize the Surface Transportation Act, which is set to expire Sept. 30, 2026.
“Our roads and bridges are behind the eight ball,” Rouzer said in an interview with WECT. “We’re focusing on the things that really matter to the American people — being able to get from point A to point B without it taking forever to do so.”
Rouzer, who chairs the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the proposed “highway bill” would fund infrastructure improvements for the next five years. He stressed the bill’s potential impact on southeastern North Carolina, including the replacement of the aging Cape Fear Memorial Bridge — a project which at last estimate would cost nearly $1 billion to complete.
“It’s going to require an innovative approach to address that kind of funding gap, but I can assure you that at the federal, state and local level, we’re all working to achieve that,” Rouzer said.
The roundtable highlighted bipartisan collaboration as key to advancing the legislation. Rouzer noted that a 60-vote threshold in the Senate means broad support will be necessary to pass the bill.
“Bringing together our small business leaders, transportation professionals, and state and federal partners for a local roundtable and press conference isn’t just about discussion,” Rouzer said in the press release. “It’s about delivering results.”
Stakeholders echoed the urgency and importance of federal investment in infrastructure.
“The U.S. Chamber is excited to work with Congressman Rouzer and other leaders in Congress to help solve our long-term infrastructure challenge,” said Rodney Davis, head of government affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate Congressman Rouzer’s leadership as we begin the tough work of reauthorizing the surface transportation bill.”
Natalie English, president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, said aligning federal action with local insight is key to promoting sustainable economic growth.
“When we align local insight with federal action, we create smart, sustainable growth that supports commerce, strengthens supply chains, and ensures our businesses, both large and small, can thrive for years to come,” English said.
Tee Nunnelee, president of Coastal Beverage Company, said the roundtable showed that business voices are being heard.
“As a small business owner in Wilmington, I know firsthand how critical reliable infrastructure is to keeping our operations running smoothly,” Nunnelee said. “Having Congressman Rouzer, industry leaders, and government officials come together for this roundtable shows our voices are being heard.”
According to the press release, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has already held nine hearings as part of its “America Builds” series. Rouzer has chaired five of them, focusing on issues such as trucking and the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. The committee has received more than 5,000 requests from stakeholders across the country, and over 6,000 requests from congressional offices, underscoring the significance of the upcoming legislation.