Faster Better Safer: Americans for Transportation Mobility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   Contact: Jessica Emond/202-778-1094
March 3, 2009                                                    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Transportation Coalition Urges More Federal Transportation Funding to Rebuild Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Janet Kavinoky, Executive Director of the Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) Coalition, issued the following statement on the Obama Administration’s proposed budget framework for transportation for fiscal year 2010:

“Businesses depend on a transportation network that provides reliable, fast, safe and cost-effective performance. The proposed budget falls short of doing so for highways and transit.

“First, it would essentially eliminate the critical contract authority that provides for reliable funding and removes the firewall that separates highway andtransit funding from the rest of the federal budget. This violates a key principle of transportation funding: that it be funded through user fees guaranteed to be reinvested for the benefits of the users.

“Second, economic analysis and better planning aren't going to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent or allow for highway programs to continue at even current levels in 2010, or transit programs past 2011, much less address the funding gap affirmed by two national commissions. While we commend the President for his desire to better target surface transportation spending, but the ATM Coalition believes that Congress and the Obama Administration must invest more in needed transportation infrastructure.

“Much is at stake and much is at risk. There’s no question that the right investments in transportation projects will create and preserve jobs and reinforce the economic foundation of our nation. Adequate transportation infrastructure capacity and reliable and cost-effective transportation services are essential to improving economic growth, increasing productivity, and maintaining the competitiveness of American businesses across all economic sectors.

“We hope the President will reconsider these elements of his budget before rolling out the final proposals in April."

ABOUT US: The Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition is a nationwide effort by business, labor, transportation organizations and concerned citizens to advocate for increased federal investment in the nation’s aging and overburdened transportation system. For more information, please visit us at: www.fasterbettersafer.org.