AASHTO Journal, 2 September 2011
Last week, Susan Martinovich, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials president and director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, said during a news conference in Louisville, Kentucky, that more than 500,000 jobs and countless state and local projects to modernize and improve transportation across the U.S. are in jeopardy if Congress does not act quickly (see August 26 AASHTO Journal story).
“We appreciate President Obama’s support for transportation investments and look forward to continuing to work with Congress on addressing the country’s urgent transportation challenges,” said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director.
AASHTO last week urged Congress to extend the 18.4-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax that provides the revenue to fund federal highway and transit programs. AASHTO also called for Congress to pass a long-term reauthorization of those programs funded at the highest level possible.
House T&I Committee Chairman John Mica in a statement said that he would agree to one additional highway program extension.
“In the interest of getting Americans back to work and moving vital transportation legislation, Republicans are committed to working with the President and Congressional Democrats,” Mica said.
Mica also said he was returning from the August recess early to consult with House Republican leaders before agreeing to another extension of the FAA authorization, which has been extended 22 times.