Transportation Coalition leaders back Obama’s transit-friendly DOT nominee

Sources: Office of White House Press Secretary; Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Washington, D.C.

The two leading groups tracking federal transportation construction funding and policy issued statements favorable to President Obama’s nomination of Charlotte (N.C.) Mayor Anthony Foxx to succeed Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

“It is encouraging that President Obama has decided to nominate someone who has first-hand experience with the significant challenges posed by our chronic under-investment in infrastructure and years-long and broken regulatory review process,” states AGC CEO Stephen Sandherr. “Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx has a unique opportunity to promote new sources of revenue to address chronic shortfalls in federal funding for our aging network of highways, bridges, airports and transit systems. In addition, he will be well suited to ensure that the Department of Transportation takes the steps required in the most recent surface transportation legislation to significantly reduce the time it takes for federal officials to approve new transportation projects. We will never be able to compete globally if it takes over a decade to approve new ways of moving goods and services from one point to another in this country. Assuming his prompt confirmation, Mayor Foxx can count on the support of the commercial construction industry for his efforts to address funding shortfalls and eliminate red tape.”

Citing feedback from North Carolina construction interests, ARTBA President Peter Ruane adds, “Anthony Foxx has demonstrated that he sees the intersection of transportation infrastructure investment and economic development. As mayor of Charlotte, he’s been a thoughtful voice in advocating for development of all modes of transportation in order to help spur the local economy, create jobs and improve mobility.”

“As an executive, Mayor Foxx is keenly aware of the connection between transportation investment, economic growth and job creation, and he understands how critical transportation investment is to cities and metropolitan areas in fueling economic growth and recovery,” notes U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “One example of his leadership is his strong advocacy for his 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan, a growth stimulating investment in his region’s public transportation network that includes 25 miles of commuter rail, 21 miles of light rail, 16 miles of streetcar, 14 miles of bus rapid transit, and an expanded network of buses and other transit services.”