Pa. governor has a solution for a new highway bill

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell forced his hand into Congress’ idea box this week when he suggested a $150 billion front-loaded transportation stimulus bill for 2010.

Rendell made his comments in front of Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, and others at the Capitol.

Rendell was speaking before Congress on behalf of the infrastructure advocacy group Building America’s Future, which he co-chairs. Rendell thought the front-loaded concept was one that was workable and worth considering.

“I think the Treasury can extend money to the highway trust fund, and we can front-load the eventual [six-year bill],” said Rendell. “The states have proven we can spend infrastructure money quickly. Let’s go, let’s move. It would have a tremendous effect in lengthening the recovery.”

Durbin did not endorse the idea, but he continues to be a staunch supporter when it comes to a new bill.

“We are going to be looking for the most bang for the buck,” he said. “Turning to infrastructure is one thing that is going to have broad bipartisan support.”

The House of Representatives recently passed a three-month extension of the current highway bill, SAFETEA-LU, but the Senate has yet to act. Insiders indicated last week that the Senate was looking at dropping its support for the White House-endorsed 18-month extension in favor of a six-month one, but that rumor was quashed this week.