ARTBA Joins U.S. Chamber-Led Coalition to Improve Nation’s Transportation Infrastructure

Contacts:
Matt Jeanneret 202-289-4434 mjeanneret@artba.org	Joe Manero 202-289-4434 jmanero@artba.org	Print this page

Washington, D.C. [June 26, 2001] — The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) joined today with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to announce a new national coalition dedicated to improving the safety and efficiency of the nation’s transportation network. "Americans for Transportation Mobility" (ATM) will work to educate the American public, elected officials and other opinion leaders about the value of transportation infrastructure to the nation’s economy and quality of life.

U.S. Chamber President & CEO Thomas Donohue made the announcement of the multi-year campaign at a luncheon keynoted by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska). ARTBA will play a leadership role in the coalition.

"ARTBA worked closely with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during the TEA-21 and AIR-21 debates and applauds Tom Donohue for raising awareness of how important a strong transportation system is to creating economic growth, increasing international competitiveness and improving quality of life for all Americans," ARTBA President Pete Ruane said.

Ruane noted that since 1970, the U.S. population has increased 30 percent, the number of licensed vehicles has increased 87 percent, vehicle miles traveled in the U.S. have increased 125 percent, but new highway capacity has only increased six percent.

"Any objective analyst would say America needs improved infrastructure in all modes of transportation to keep pace with a growing population and economy," Ruane said. "Transportation improvements improve public safety, air quality and reduce congestion."

ATM will work to increase investment in transportation infrastructure to meet growing public need and demand. It will also work to streamline the approval process that currently delays urgently needed road and airport projects. ARTBA and ATM will devote significant resources to lobbying, media and grassroots efforts to build support for transportation improvements.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s 1999 report to Congress indicates that a minimum $50 billion per year federal investment in highway, bridge and transit programs is necessary just to maintain current physical conditions and performance. ARTBA will be pushing for increased federal transportation investment with the scheduled 2003 congressional reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21).

Celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2002, ARTBA represents the U.S. transportation construction industry in the Nation’s Capital.

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