National Freight Program Key Component
of Future American Transportation Vision,
ARTBA President Pete Ruane Tells National
Press Club Audience

Contact:
Jeff Solsby 202-289-4434		Print this page

Washington, D.C. [July 25, 2007]—“We need a one-two punch to get America’s federal surface transportation program back on track,” American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President & CEO Pete Ruane said July 24 during a news conference in Washington, D.C.

“In the short-term, the federal Highway Trust Fund’s fiscal house needs to be put in order to help meet the promises of the 2005 highway and transit investment law, and begin addressing the nation’s vast transportation needs,” Ruane said.

He pointed to a recently-released forecast of Highway Trust Fund revenues showing a shortfall that could result in a $16 billion cut in federal highway investment to the states beginning in FY 2009. Compounding the problem, he said, were construction costs that have gone up over 30 percent in the past three years, and the buying power of the gasoline tax, which will be 10.8 cents in 2010 vs. 18.3 cents in 1993. All revenue options to finance new transportation improvements should be on the table, according to Ruane.

“America also needs a similarly bold and visionary long-term plan—led by the federal government—that strategically focuses on meeting future national transportation needs, such as U.S. global competitiveness and efficient freight movement,” he said.

Ruane delivered his remarks along with other industry leaders during a National Press Club event announcing the release of a comprehensive report, “A New Vision for the 21st Century,” about the current conditions and future needs for the nation’s transportation programs. He commended American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) members and staff for their leadership in producing the report and hosting several related conferences that were critical to the development of the final recommendations contained in the document.

Found online at www.transportation1.org/tif5report/, the report will be submitted July 26 to the National Surface Transportation Policy & Revenue Study Commission. Among other things, it calls for increased federal investment in the core highway and transit programs. It also highlights the need for ARTBA’s “Critical Commerce Corridors” (3C) initiative, a new strategic capital investment program aimed at dramatically improving the movement of freight and people.

Participating groups at the news conference included: AASHTO, AAA, American Council of Engineering Companies, American Highway Users Alliance, American Public Transportation Association, American Trucking Associations, American Association of Railroads, the Associated General Contractors of America and ARTBA.

Founded in 1902, ARTBA represents the U.S. transportation construction industry in the Nation’s Capital.

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