WASHINGTON — Donald Trump promised to devote $1 trillion to rebuilding the nation’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure during his campaign. And D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says the president-elect should start that spending right here in the District.
“It would appear to be an area of common ground,” said Bowser at the kickoff of a new round of alley improvements in the city Monday.
The mayor is hoping to see new federal spending on Metro, bridges, roads, parks and more.
“The federal government has a role to play in investing in public housing stock. And we hope that this administration will take a different look at it,” she added.
Bowser’s high hopes follow eight years of frustration, which she does not blame on the incumbent. “President Obama has been pretty focused on public infrastructure, too,” said Bowser. “It just never managed to get out of the Congress.”
As for federal funding for Metro, Bowser says now is the time to get something done. The Washington Post recently speculated about Metro funding by the Trump administration.
“We’re invested in not kicking the problem down the road,” she said. “Many leaders have recognized this problem for at least a couple of decades. And now, we know, is a critical time to make tough decisions around Metro.”
