An effort to create a one-time $30 billion boost for highway and transit construction is getting major support from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), which views the plan as a positive step forward addressing the crumbling infrastructure of the nation’s road network.
“The amount of money proposed by the administration, the House and the Senate doesn’t come close to what is needed to meet our nation’s transportation needs,” said AGC CEO Stephen Sandherr. “There is great hunger around the country for better, safer roads but little appetite in the administration or Congress to provide the needed revenue.”
The Build America Bonds legislation being proposed by U.S. Senators Jim Talent (R-MO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) would raise $30 billion for a variety of highway and transit improvements. It would give states and local governments funds to build road, public transportation and rail projects, including multitstate corridors, border planning and capacity improvements, and intermodal connectors.
The Talent-Wyden proposal would provide a one-time $30 billion boost in highway and transit funding above the amount the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) currently supports, AGC said.
