The American Highway Users Alliance is urging Congress not to forget infrastructure as it works to create an economic stimulus package to combat the negative economic effects of the coronavirus.
In a letter to Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the Highway Users, a coalition of 300 organizations representing companies, trade associations, safety advocacy groups and motoring clubs, asked Congress to include increased formula funding for transportation infrastructure.
“Adding increased formula funding for highways to a relief package in the very near future will be an investment in our nation that is critically needed to keep the country moving and maintain and create jobs,” the group said in its letter. “President Franklin D. Roosevelt invested in infrastructure during the Great Depression and America reaped the benefits. The vast construction efforts through the New Deal resulted in thousands of highways, bridges, dams, and water sewer systems that we rely on today. Such an investment will focus our limited dollars in an area where there is already tremendous need that has a direct impact on every American.”
Citing the USDOT’s Conditions and Performance Report on Highways, Bridges and Transit, the group said the $786.4 billion backlog of highway and bridge investment would create jobs while providing workers with an open-air and relatively safe workspace.
The group also advocated for:
• Providing $16.7 billion in supplement federal transportation funding to backstop state revenue shortfalls as states work to maintain their own roads and bridges.
• Prioritizing the federal Highway Trust Fund to ensure a steady source of investment in essential infrastructure.
• Granting a temporary waiver of the federally-mandated maximum vehicle weights for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
• Supporting the trucking industry in full to ensure the delivery of food, water, fuel, goods, medical supplies, mail, and packages to Americans.
Despite closures in the District of Columbia, the group said it will remain open, working remotely, and will continue to advocate for its members.
“We will continue to advocate for highway investment and a long-term highway bill throughout this period. Today we sent a letter to Senate and House leadership asking them to include highway funding in economic relief legislation and to ensure that the trucking industry is fully supported during this critical time…” said Laura Perrotta, president and CEO of Highway Users.