Skip to main content

Voices

No Free Roads: Why Reliable Funding and Technology Matter for U.S. Infrastructure
Kathryn Clay Ph.D.
| 2 min read
U.S. Capitol Building

In the latest Washington Times Infrastructure Special, I had the opportunity to discuss two urgent challenges: how we fund our roads and bridges—and how we protect the technologies that make them work.

As Congress looks ahead to the next generation of the federal surface transportation program—when the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act expires in September 2026—the key question remains: how will we fund it? The U.S. is facing a $786 billion backlog in highway and bridge projects, with more than 70% of that needed for basic repairs. The Highway Trust Fund is expected to run out of money by 2028 due to declining gas tax revenues.

There are no free roads—only roads funded by taxes or tolls. Tolling is a voluntary, user-based fee. In 2023, tolls generated over $23 billion, allowing states and local governments to invest in critical infrastructure without relying on additional taxes.

Electronic tolling has transformed how road pricing works. In-vehicle transponders and radio frequency technology allow tolls to be collected at highway speeds. However, a petition before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatens this system by proposing to reduce the radio spectrum available for tolling.

We urge the FCC to deny the current petition for rulemaking in the lower 900 MHz band. The consequences would represent serious risks to toll collection, highway operations, and the public revenue streams that fund critical infrastructure projects.

Read the full article in the Washington Times Infrastructure Special to learn more about these critical challenges and the path forward.
About Kathryn Clay 1 Article

Kathryn Clay, Ph.D., is the Executive Director for IBTTA. She is a seasoned association leader with a unique blend of scientific expertise, policy acumen, and operational success. She was most recently the president and CEO of the International Liquid Terminals Association, where she drove record revenue growth, spearheaded industry-first advocacy initiatives, and championed innovation, safety, and environmental compliance. Her impact earned her recognition as one of the “100 Top Influencers” in the global terminals industry by Storage Terminals Magazine. Her career spans high-level roles in energy, technology, and public policy, including work on Capitol Hill, where she helped shape key legislation like the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Kathryn earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she also completed her M.S. in Electrical Engineering. Additionally, She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and Mathematics, from Kalamazoo College, graduating cum laude. 
Become a Member

Joining IBTTA connects you to a global community of transportation professionals, offering unmatched opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative innovation in the tolling and transportation sector.

Join Today
Follow for updates

Follow IBTTA on social media for real-time updates on transportation trends and collaborative opportunities.