“Today the bipartisan Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership has shown us why there is no reason to put off until tomorrow what some say cannot be done today,” said Pete Ruane, president and CEO of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). “Chairman [James] Oberstar and Ranking Member [John] Mica (R-FL) deserve our highest praise.”
Commenting following the release of the bill Oberstar (D-MN) refers to as A Blueprint for Investment and Reform, Ruane said, “The Committee and others in Congress have worked for more than two years to craft legislation that would dramatically boost investment to all modes of transportation. Two additional 'blue ribbon' commissions deliberated for roughly three years and offered specific plans to address system needs, financing options and policy reform goals. The issue has been thoroughly studied and objectively evaluated.”
Ruane continued, “Action on a robust, reform-oriented multi-year reauthorization bill, as proposed by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership, is the only way to combat the combination of an economic downturn and increasing state budget difficulties. As history shows, putting the federal transportation programs in limbo contributes to uncertainty at the state level and leads to overall market stagnation.”
Ruane concluded saying, “The proposal outlined today would ensure the economic gains initiated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are enhanced, not jeopardized.”
