ARTBA Promotes Transportation
Investment At Democratic Retreat

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Jeff Solsby 202-289-4434		Print this page

Washington, D.C. [Feb. 01, 2008]— American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Vice President of Economics and Research Dr. Bill Buechner January 31 told Democrat members of the House of Representatives protecting the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year (FY) 2009 was one of the most effective ways to facilitate economic recovery.  The Bush Administration last summer projected a Highway Trust Fund Highway Account revenue shortfall that, if not addressed, could force a $16 billion cut in federal highway investment in FY 2009. States could begin parrying back their highway programs this year.

Buechner was invited by the House Democratic Caucus to address their annual retreat, held in Williamsburg, Va., where party members are developing legislative strategy for the coming year.  He participated in a panel on “Infrastructure and the Economy” with House Ways and Means Committee Member Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and former Clinton White House Chief of Staff John Podesta.  House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) moderated the session.  ARTBA was the only transportation stakeholder group to participate in the panel discussion.

“Cutting highway investment will lead to lost jobs at a time when the economy is struggling,” Buechner said.  “Such a move would likely undermine congressional efforts on an overall economic stimulus package.”

The ARTBA economist urged House Democrats to include the trust fund solvency proposal developed by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Committee Ranking Republican Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) on either the economic stimulus package or some other legislative vehicle that will be acted upon early this year.

Buechner noted trust fund solvency was symptomatic of an underlying revenue shortfall.  He said increasing trust fund revenues during the upcoming reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU through an increase in the federal motor fuels tax would help in addressing America’s overwhelming highway/transit infrastructure needs.

ARTBA has produced a comprehensive 72-page legislative blueprint containing its recommendations for the scheduled 2009 SAFETEA-LU reauthorization.  It can be viewed in the “government affairs” section of  www.artba.org.

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Established in 1902, ARTBA represents the U.S. transportation design and construction industry before Congress, the Executive Branch, federal agencies, news media and general public.