New Vision for Future U.S. Transportation Network & Industry Image Campaign Endorsed by ARTBA Board of Directors. 10/02/06

New Vision for Future U.S. Transportation Network & Industry Image Campaign Endorsed
by ARTBA Board of Directors
Other Initiatives Also Announced at the
2006 ARTBA Annual Convention

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Washington, D.C. [October 02, 2006]—The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has answered the call for a “new vision” for the nation’s federal transportation program. The association’s Board of Directors endorsed a task force proposal September 28 that would dramatically redefine the federal government’s future, post-Interstate Highway System role in ensuring a safe and efficient national transportation network.

“Our aim is to ensure that America continues to have the world’s leading transportation network in the future,” ARTBA Chairman C. Michael Walton said. “Complacency is not an option if we want the U.S. to be the dominant future player in world markets so that Americans can continue to enjoy the quality of life that comes with a growing economy.”

The ARTBA plan sees expanded investment in the current core federal highway, transit and aviation programs. But, it also would create new revenue mechanisms that would be exclusively focused on a 25-year initiative to upgrade and build a new generation of intermodal facilities aimed at vastly improving freight movement and the nation’s emergency response capabilities.

A centerpiece of the ARTBA plan would be a new “Critical Commerce Corridors” highway network that would strategically link and upgrade the nation’s major water ports, airports, border crossings and rail networks with national intermodal freight transfer centers. Where possible, the network would separate commercial traffic from passenger vehicles. One of its hallmarks would be the extensive utilization of the latest in safety, communications and material technologies.

In other actions taken during the association’s annual convention, the ARTBA Board:

Approved initiation of an integrated communications and public education campaign aimed at enhancing the image of the transportation design and construction industry.
Voted to add an additional seat on the association’s executive committee for the chairman of the Young Executive Leadership Council (YELC). This is part of the association’s strategic efforts to involve the next generation of leaders in formulating legislative and regulatory policies impacting transportation development.
Adopted a comprehensive policy statement supporting expanded investments in transportation-related research and workforce development.

Established in 1902, ARTBA is the transportation construction industry’s primary advocate in the Nation’s Capital.

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