Banking panel to hold hearing on infrastructure bank

The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing this month on creating a fund that would help pay for transportation infrastructure projects. 

Panel Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) announced the Sept. 21 hearing that will explore the need for a National Infrastructure Bank that would providing funding for national and regional projects for roads, bridges, transit and water systems.

"A significant investment in our ailing national infrastructure will create jobs, boost long-term economic growth, and improve safety," Dodd said in a statement Tuesday. "With a National Infrastructure Bank we could leverage state, local and private funds to ensure our infrastructure systems are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st Century."

Dodd originally introduced the National Infrastructure Bank Act in 2007 with former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel (Neb.), shortly before the bridge collapse in Minneapolis.