Devon Barnhart Email & Phone Number

With nearly 15 years of experience in transportation and infrastructure policy at the federal and state level, Devon provides strategic policy, legislative, and consulting solutions at Capitol Transportation Consulting. Her broad experience crafting legislation and policy messaging, as well as working first hand on design and construction projects as a civil engineer, ensures a unique and comprehensive approach to transportation and infrastructure challenges.

OneRail is a diverse group of rail stakeholders who have come together to educate America about the benefits of a strong freight and passenger rail system.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Devon worked as the staff director of the Transportation and Safety Subcommittee focused on transportation safety, security and infrastructure issues. She led the Commerce Committee’s work on the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, as well as pipeline safety, maritime, research, freight, rail and truck safety authorizations.

Devon advised the Senator on transportation, maritime and related homeland security issues, including safety, aviation, highway, trucking, pipeline, rail and port issues, for the Senator’s roles on the Environment and Public Works Committee, Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, and Appropriations Committee. She also handled the Senator’s work as the Chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security Subcommittee, including working with Committee staff to advance the Senator's transportation priorities. She led Senate efforts to advance passenger rail and high-speed rail issues as lead staffer for the High-Speed RailCaucus and Amtrak Working Group.

Devon coordinated advocacy on federal issues, including transportation, housing, and economic development. She drafted and implemented the organization’s legislative strategy, tracked legislation, and established Congressional and Administration staff relationships working to build support for organizational policy priorities. She worked with national, state, and local coalition members to develop and implement federal policy positions, as well as to activate members around key policy priorities.

Devon advised the Senator on transportation issues for the Environment and Public Works Committee and Transportation Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as manufacturing, water resources, economic development, environmental and labor issues as they relate to transportation and infrastructure. She developed and tracked legislation and amendments, built coalitions for support of the Senator's priorities, worked with Committee staff and leadership to advance legislation, such as highway and transit funding, maritime loan guarantees, manufacturing initiatives, and incentives for transportation investments

Devon staffed Congressman Sires on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and advised him on transportation, labor, appropriations, environment, and education issues. She developed, tracked, and advanced legislative initiatives, such as Commute LESS Act, Access to Postal Services Act, urban parks legislation, and transit emergency planning.

Devon performed legislative research and analyzed legislation, researched and wrote memorandum on transportation policies, legislation, and state transportation initiatives, drafted talking points and subject matter summaries for members, and attended and assisted with subcommittee hearings.

Devon aided in arbitration and litigation support of construction projects, including writing memorandum detailing legal arguments and persuasive briefs in support of clients.

Devon provided arbitration and litigation support services for major building construction projects such as office buildings, courthouses, hotels, and apartment complexes. She wrote memorandum, participated in client meetings, completed document reviews, aided in preparation of expert reports, prepared bid documents, and completed fact and price verifications.

Devon researched and drafted briefs on construction, contract, property, environmental, land use and employment issues. She conducted legislative research, participated in witness and trial preparation and attended hearings.

Devon collaborated with regional planning agencies in improving land use strategies, advancing highway and transit projects, security measures, and emergency planning. She inspected highway construction projects, interpreted government regulations, and worked across Departments to advance projects. She also developed and reviewed highway, bridge, construction, environmental, and right-of-way plans.

Devon implemented permit review process improvements, prepared and gave presentations, and provided technical support to municipalities on their flood protection projects. She also reviewed technical specifications and plans, and coordinated surveys for zoning and land use.

J.D., Law

Activities and Societies: Penn State Law Review, Senior EditorConcentration in Mediation, Negotiation, Dispute Resolution and Advocacy

B.S., Civil Engineering

Activities and Societies: American Society of Civil Engineers - Treasurer, Delta Gamma Sorority, Odyssey of the Mind CoachEIT Certificate.