Resolution 25 – 24
SUPPORTING FUTURE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY FORMULA PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the United States economy must have the world’s pre – eminent surface transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the Future Interstate Highway Formula Funding Program will establish a predictable and stable level of federal funding to support development of congressionally authorized Future Interstates and will address the need to focus federal transportation funding on projects that provide national benefit; and
WHEREAS, the Formula Funding Program will provide needed investment in the next generation of the Interstate Highway System to keep pace with growing population and efficient freight movement demand; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Interstate Highway System is to provide a safe, efficient, and high – capacity roadway network for the movement of people and goods; and
WHEREAS, highways meeting interstate standards substantially enhance safety for the traveling public while also addressing emergency evacuation needs; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of Future Interstate Highways is to expand and enhance the national transportation network by identifying and developing key corridors that will eventually meet full Interstate Highway standards, with the goal of supporting 1) National Connectivity; 2) Freight and Economic Development; 3) Cross – Border Trade and International Commerce; 4) National Defense; 5) Emergency Evacuation; and 6) Transportation Modernization; and
WHEREAS, there is currently no dedicated federal funding to plan and construct Future Interstate Highways; and
WHEREAS, international trade has grown from $39 billion in 1956 to $5.8 trillion in 2023, an increase of 14,700% in 67 years, an average annual growth of 219.4%; and
WHEREAS, entry into NAFTA (1994) and now USMCA (2020) strengthened trade with Mexico and Canada and as a result ports of entry became critical – especially for energy, agriculture, and auto parts trade across North America corridors; and
WHEREAS, initially trade across the United States moved primarily east – west and the original Interstate Highway System was built to serve the east – west movement; and
WHEREAS, today the United States, Canada, and Mexico are each other’s largest trade partners for oil, energy, automobiles, electronics, and agriculture goods – and it is common materials to be procured from one country, produced into goods in a second, and then marketed and sold in a third; and
WHEREAS, the nations’ shift from manufacturing – based economy to services and technology; a significant rise in consumer spending, e – commerce, and just – in – time logistics. This growth in further fright highlights is critical for supply chains; and
WHEREAS, despite the authorization of a 40,000 – mile Interstate Highway System by Congress in 1944 and the initial designation of 37,700 miles in 1947, the total constructed mileage has significantly fallen short of long – term national mobility demands; and
WHEREAS, by 1960, over 10,000 miles were completed. Followed by rapid expansion to 20,000 miles by the mid – 1960’s, 30,000 miles by 1970, and 40,000 miles by 1980, with 92% of the system completed by 1986; and
WHEREAS, Incremental additions brought the system to approximately 42,700 miles in the 1990’s 46,747 miles by the early 2000s, and 48,000 miles in the 2020’s; and
WHEREAS, the modest mileage growth of interstate highways over the past four decades reflects the need for renewed federal commitment to expanding and modernizing the Interstate System to meet 21st – century transportation, economic, and security challenges.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF BANNER COUNTY:
Section 1: That the Banner County Board of Commissioners supports the proposal to include the Future Interstate Highway Formula Program in the next federal surface transportation authorization bill whereby federal taxpayer’s funds are used for the national interest, ensuring a strong Federal role in surface transportation. Interstate Highway was developed as a national interest and Future Interstate Highways should be the same.
Section 2: This resolution to be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.
Section 3: If any portion or provision of this resolution, for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalidity or unenforceability of such portion or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of the Resolution, the intention being that the same are severable.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 21st day of October 2025.
Board of Commissioners
Banner County, Nebraska
/s/ Robin Darnall, Chairperson
/s/ Laif Anderson, Vice Chairman
/s/ Don Lease II
ATTEST: /s/ Katie West, Banner County Clerk