Why It Matters
The Rural States Federal Transportation Policy Development Group is lobbying as Congress is actively drafting the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. It is legislation that will shape federal funding and policy for years—while the Highway Trust Fund faces a $410 billion deficit through 2035.
Rural roads account for 41% of all traffic fatalities despite serving only 20% of the population, creating compelling evidence for dedicated federal investment.
By the Numbers
The Rural States Federal Transportation Policy Development Group paid $60,000 in the fourth quarter for lobbying services from John A. DeVierno, continuing a relationship spanning over two decades. Since 2003, the group has paid approximately $3.54 million across 78 disclosures to DeVierno, making it his longest-standing and most significant client relationship.
DeVierno’s broader practice generates roughly $4.89 million across 240 total disclosures since 2003. His client roster reflects deep transportation sector specialization, including the South Dakota Department of Transportation and Virgin Hyperloop.
The Agenda
The Rural States Federal Transportation Policy Development Group is lobbying on federal transportation funding, Highway Trust Fund management, and conditions attached to federal transportation assistance programs—consistent priorities since the group began lobbying in 2003.
Current congressional activity aligns closely with the group’s focus. The Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act would expand grant accessibility for smaller communities by increasing federal cost-share to 90%. The Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill is now entering active development and will set federal policy for years to come.
Broader Context
The group’s fourth quarter lobbying engagement comes as Congress demonstrates intense focus on rural infrastructure challenges. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held hearings in July 2025 specifically focused on rural needs for the next surface transportation reauthorization.
Rural road safety has emerged as a critical policy driver. Representative Rogers highlighted that rural areas account for 43% of all roadway fatalities, creating bipartisan momentum for targeted investment. A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to make grant funding more accessible to rural communities, while Senator Boozman has warned that complex grant applications disadvantage rural areas.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively reshaping rural transportation policy with clear bipartisan momentum. The Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act (H.R. 502) directly addresses grant accessibility challenges, while annual Transportation appropriations bills remain primary vehicles for funding rural programs.
Members from both parties are celebrating federal funding wins—Senator Padilla announced $258 million for California, while Senators Klobuchar and Smith secured $25 million for Minnesota through rural grant programs, demonstrating political capital tied to rural transportation.
Competitive Landscape
The Rural States Group operates alongside other rural advocates in a crowded space. Sandoval County, N.M. has actively lobbied on rural transportation and congressionally directed spending, while Montana State University advocates for rural transportation research and traffic safety initiatives.
This collective advocacy creates both opportunities for coalition-building and competition for finite federal dollars, but signals that rural transportation has achieved notable salience in Washington.
The Bottom Line
Congress has shown bipartisan support for improving rural infrastructure funding and safety, with key legislative vehicles directly aligning with the group’s historical priorities. DeVierno’s specialized expertise positions them to influence both the FY26 appropriations process and foundational reauthorization language.
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