Construction Official Says New Surface Transportation Bill Will Help States Repair Aging Roads, Unsafe Bridges and Decaying Transit Systems, But Does Little to Address Long-Term Funding Problems

Nov 5, 2015 -- The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in response to the passage today of a new multi-year surface transportation law in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"It is encouraging to see overwhelming House support for a long-term highway and transit measure. Today's vote sends a strong message that Washington officials can find a way to work together to help address crucial problems like aging roads, decaying transit systems and unsafe bridges. This new measure will provide state officials with the resources they need to improve road safety, cut congestion and cut shipping and transport costs for millions of American businesses.

"As needed as this new measure is, both the House and Senate have failed to address the long-term funding challenges that have repeatedly threatened the viability of the federal transportation program. That is why we will continue to work aggressively to make sure that Congress not only completes this vital measure but that our elected leaders include a viable, long-term solution for funding future transportation investments either in this measure or another bill."

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