Several leading transportation construction industry associations yesterday sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to pass a one-year extension of the current surface transportation legislation, known as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.
Noting that the FAST Act expires on Sept. 30, the 88 organizations that signed on to the letter are asking Congress to pass legislation that includes a turn-key, one-year extension of the current surface transportation law with increased investment levels; emergency federal funding for state DOTs ($37 billion) and public transit agencies ($32 billion); and provisions to ensure solvency of the Highway Trust Fund for the duration of the extension at a minimum.
Organizations that signed the letter include the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
"Public agencies continue to face COVID-19 pandemic-induced revenue declines," the letter states. "As a result, state and local entities already delayed or cancelled $8 billion in surface transportation projects, with more on the horizon absent any clear sign of support from the federal government. Failure to approve a one-year extension with increased funding for the purpose of stability would only exacerbate this dire situation."
The letter goes on to say that passing legislation that includes these priorities would enable critical improvements that increase the safety and efficiency of the surface transportation system. The letter calls for timely action by Congress in order to "tangibly enhance the quality of life for all Americans and jumpstart America’s economic recovery."
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SOURCE: ARTBA / AGC
