Congress needs to do the right thing by making highways and other elements of the surface transportation system a top priority, said Voigt.
This year marks the sixth anniversary of the signing of the most recent highway bill, which, since its expiration, has been extended seven times.
Extensions make it difficult for businesses to invest in the future, and not having a clear timeline for the next transportation bill will continue to jeopardize the economic vitality of companies—and the nation.
The ability to move people and goods is critical to the nation’s economy.
When the federal government under invests in transportation infrastructure, it’s easier for the nation to fall behind in the global marketplace.
“China, India and other developing nations understand the value of infrastructure development and the critical link between infrastructure, commerce, personal mobility and safety,” said Voigt. “Why are those issues any less important in the U.S. than in other nations?”
Fuel prices are rising at an alarming rate, and with widespread speculation that motorists might pay $5 per gallon for gasoline, motorists can scarcely afford to waste fuel because of the inefficiency and disrepair of the nation’s highways.
As the nation’s economy continues to falter, said Voigt, unemployment remains high in the construction industry. Passage of a new highway bill would create and sustain well-paying, long-term jobs for people who want to work and need to work.
“Talk to your neighbors, your colleagues, your employees and everyone you know who has the power of the vote and urge them to take a stand; to tell their elected officials to find and invest the funds to repair and preserve the nation’s highways,” said Voigt.
You can let your elected officials know how you feel about this and any other issue. For more information, visit www.acpa.org or www.pavements4life.com.
