Sources: Rally for Roads coalition, Washington, D.C.; CP staff
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Rep. John Mica (R-FL) and Democratic Chief Deputy Whip Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) were among 10 bipartisan members of Congress who convened with transportation construction interests at the second annual Rally for Roads in Washington, D.C.
Staged March 20 near the Washington Monument, the event brings attention to the impact transportation and highway investment has on the nation’s economy. It was timed with House and Senate action on legislation that would resume federal highway program funding on multi-year plans, versus the temporary extension measures since the SAFTEA-LU (2004–2009) expired.
“America’s infrastructure is vital to economic growth and job creation,” said National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Senior Vice President of Government and Political Affairs Kerri Leininger, Rally spokesperson. “America’s transportation needs are too great, and its impact on the nation’s economic health and well-being are too substantial to delay passage of a surface transportation bill any longer.
“Deficiencies in surface transportation systems have cost households and businesses billions of dollars. Our livelihoods depend on roads. The support for Rally for Roads from congressional and industry members highlights the importance of getting our nation’s infrastructure back on track.”
Rally for Roads is sponsored by 15 national associations representing stakeholders in transportation construction.