July 21, 2026
The BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870) is the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's proposed five-year surface transportation authorization bill covering Fiscal Years 2027–2031. Released on May 18, 2026, the legislation authorizes roughly $580 billion for transportation infrastructure nationwide.
Better infrastructure means a stronger local economy
Businesses depend on reliable transportation every day.
Whether it's:
- Manufacturers shipping products,
- Retailers receiving inventory,
- Farmers moving commodities,
- Contractors transporting equipment, or
- Employees commuting to work,
For Eau Claire, located at the crossroads of I-94, US-53, and several state highways, transportation is one of our greatest competitive advantages. Additionally, Eau Claire is one of the largest cities in Wisconsin, so connecting with rural and urban areas promotes travel and economic collaboration.
Competing for future investment
When companies consider expanding or relocating, transportation infrastructure is one of the first things they evaluate.
Questions include:
- Can employees get here?
- Can suppliers reach us?
- Can products reach customers?
- Is freight movement reliable?
Continued federal investment helps communities like Eau Claire remain competitive against other regions across the Midwest.
Supporting workforce development
Transportation isn't just about freight.
People need safe, dependable transportation to get to work, school, technical colleges and universities. Efficient transportation can aid in reducing childcare accessibility, housing affordability, and lengthy commuting barriers for employees. Reliable infrastructure is the foundation of quality of life within a community.
For a region facing workforce shortages, better transportation helps connect employers with talent.
Why this matters specifically to the Chippewa Valley
The Eau Claire Chamber has consistently talked about:
- Regional growth
- Attracting talent
- Supporting housing development
- Expanding manufacturing
- Growing healthcare accessibility
- Strengthening tourism
- Encouraging entrepreneurship
None of those goals happen without infrastructure.
Transportation is the foundation that allows all of those investments to succeed.
While buses, roads, and transportation infrastructure rarely make news headlines, they are the foundation of our communities and businesses. The need to maintain and advance our transportation across the United States, Wisconsin, and the Eau Claire area is critical to promote collaboration and success.