ATM Welcomes National Transportation Commission's Call for Increased Investment in Roads, Bridges and Transit

Study Recognizes Transportation as a National Problem Demanding National Solutions

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition embraced recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission calling for significant new investment to build, maintain and restore transportation infrastructure in the United States.

"ATM is gratified that the commission report issued today clearly describes the daunting problems facing our national transportation system and unambiguously acknowledges that increased federal investment is the way forward," ATM Executive Director Janet F. Kavinoky said.

"Nobody on the commission disputed the need for more investment in this nation's infrastructure. Disagreements on specifics are much less important than the commission's determination that transportation is a national problem requiring a national commitment."

The importance of this congressionally-mandated study can't be overstated, Kavinoky said. The report's conclusions will alter the course of a national discussion about transportation that will culminate next year with the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU, a major transportation bill, she added.

Kavinoky called the timing of the report propitious given the visibility of public policy issues created by the excitement over the 2008 presidential campaigns. "Few issues affect people as directly as transportation or have as great an impact on the economy," she said, yet one-third of the nation's roads are in poor or mediocre condition, congestion costs drivers $63 billion a year, and transit investment declines as ridership increases.

"We hope the NSTPRC study will encourage the presidential candidates of both parties to discuss ways to bolster investment in roads, highways, bridges and public transit," Kavinoky said. "Ensuring our 21st century transportation system remains safe, reliable, and efficient is a national priority," Kavinoky said. "Washington simply can't afford to do nothing. The future is now."

ABOUT US: The Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) is a national coalition working to ensure our nation's transportation infrastructure is improved to meet current demands and future needs. Launched on June 26, 2001, ATM represents over 400 major transportation users and providers who are working together for a safer and more efficient transportation infrastructure system.

For more information, please visit us at: http://www.a-t-m.org/ or contact:

Janet Kavinoky Director, Transportation Infrastructure U.S. Chamber of Commerce 202-657-2616 (cell) 202-544-0060 x222 (desk)