“I want to allow you maximum flexibility to build as much as possible,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at the AASHTO briefing. (Noel Fletcher/Transport Topics)
February 25, 2026 9:35 AM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said rising construction costs make eliminating unnecessary requirements essential.
- States warned that price increases are limiting their ability to deliver projects.
- DOT is pursuing enforcement actions to remove unsafe drivers and motor carriers.
WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told state transportation planners he intends to eliminate red tape and reform permitting to complete construction projects faster amid rising costs.
“The cost of things has gotten to be way too much. We are rethinking how we’re taking away the requirements that are not mandated but put on by the department and letting you all build faster,” Duffy said Feb. 24. “We need permitting reform. We’re spending a lot of money that’s not putting shovels in dirt but it’s actually in consultants.”
He spoke with Russell McMurry during a fireside chat at an annual Washington briefing held by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. McMurry also is commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation and AASHTO president for 2025-2026.
Duffy said the Department of Transportation should focus on helping states build large projects such as bridges, freeways and highways that connect the nation rather than sidewalks and bike trails.
“What we do is we affect people’s lives in a profound way. If we do our jobs well, they get home 15 minutes or half an hour early because we’ve navigated their road trips or if they’re not delayed or canceled in aviation. Their lives are better because they can spend more time with their families,” he added.
McMurry mentioned how state transportation planners are concerned they have less buying power than five years ago due to 60% to 70% price increases in construction commodity costs. Consequently, the higher costs are constraining the type of projects states can deliver.
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Duffy reiterated he intends to ensure less bureaucracy results in faster completion times.
“I want to allow you maximum flexibility to build as much as possible,” he said.
He also asked states to share feedback about what DOT can do better.
In closing, Duffy brought up ongoing regulatory enforcement actions to rid the trucking industry of unqualified drivers and bad actors in motor carriers as well as educational instructors.
He noted that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is taking action but lacks some powers states hold.
“If you would help us as you go back home that would be incredibly helpful. These good procedures in place will help us save lives,” Duffy said. “We’re trying to address problems in a way that is going to make people safer, and it’s happening with your states.”
