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Paved in Full/Moving Ahead:

2011 Campaign for Federal Transportation Authorization

Overview: Our nation and its fragile economy are at a critical moment. The transportation industry is a driver of economic fortune, and Congress is considering key policies right now that will have great consequences for the industry, and consequently, our economic future. The Transportation for Illinois Coalition’s “Paved in Full/Moving Ahead” campaign makes the case for our leaders in Washington to invest in our infrastructure because it more than pays for itself: strong roads and bridges mean strong jobs for so many industries. And a strong investment now will mean a robust future for our nation. TFIC is urging the right choices in Washington on this vital issue:

Federal Highway Bill

Our national highway investment has been stuck in neutral since September 2009, when the federal highway bill (known as SAFETEA-LU) expired. Funding has continued through a series of short-term extensions while Congress works on a long-term plan. The latest extension runs only through this September 30th.

TFIC’s approach here is two-fold:

Congress should work expediently on a long-term spending bill that meets the needs of America’s very real infrastructure needs. The six-year proposal being considered in the House falls far short of the mark by severely cutting infrastructure funding. In Illinois, the cut being considered would top 35 percent – costing us more than 16,000 jobs. That’s anything but acceptable.
We can’t afford any disruption in our work schedule, so we must ensure another extension is granted so work can continue in earnest – both on our highways and transit systems and in our negotiating sessions. The Senate’s plan for two years’ investment at current levels plus inflation is the right next step.

Our industry is suffering, and it’s no mistake our economy is as well:Nationally, the construction industry has lost more than 2 million jobs since its April 2006 peak Unemployment hit 15.6 percent in June in construction – a five-year slump of lost jobs Construction put in place is at its lowest point in 11 years and has dropped 37 percent since March 2006.

We can’t forget this is really about an entire transportation network – roads and bridges, rail and transit. When one is weak or poorly maintained, all suffer. Freight’s success depends on a strong urban transit system, taking millions of cars off the roads and easing congestion for trucks. Transit depends on the road system which their buses travel.

o Transit ridership topped more than 607 million in Northeastern Illinois in 2010

o If transit were eliminated, overall hours of traffic delay is estimated to increase by nearly 25 percent – already, one study finds, truck congestion results in 31.7 million hours of delay in the Chicago areas and costs businesses $3.3 billion

There’s intense pressure in Washington to cut spending, to do more with less. The deal over the debt ceiling will no doubt increase that pressure. Transportation faces an uncertain future as negotiators on Capitol Hill have to find $1.5 trillion in cuts by Thanksgiving.

Our message is clear: highway and transit funding is the ultimate return on investment. A stable, long-term commitment puts many good people to work, in good-paying jobs. They spend that money throughout our economy. And so many others reap the benefits from a strong surface transportation network. TFIC urges our Members of Congress to approve current transportation funding levels and then a long-term plan for success.

Another Challenge

Adding to our challenge, the federal gas tax expires at the end of September. The tax is 18.4 cents per gallon, but 4.3 cents of that levy will stay. This means taxes on highway gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene and alternative fuels will go away. That is unacceptable. TFIC knows that while the current climate is difficult for this discussion, these taxes show a direct, positive benefit because they fund the investment in our transportation system, creating jobs and ensuring we all can get where we need to go. These taxes ensure we are paid back in full and much, much more. Americans understand that value as well. A recent phone survey by the Mineta Transportation Institute found that 62 percent of respondents would support an increase of 10 cents per gallon in the gas tax if it was put directly into better maintaining our roads. The gas tax literally keeps all of us moving, safely and surely. Without it, our road and bridge work and maintenance of our public transportation systems will come to a grinding halt, and that’s something we just can’t afford. TFIC urges Congress to reauthorize the tax and discuss a long-term plan for enhancing our revenue investment to take our infrastructure to the next level. We depend on our roads, bridges and public transit systems to keep us moving. By embracing the “Paved in Full/Moving Ahead” campaign, our leaders in Washington will be investing the right resources into the right answers for a strong, vibrant economy.

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Last update January 5, 2012