By Ron Thaniel
May 12, 2003

The U.S. Conference of Mayors joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce April 30 urging lawmakers to expedite and increase investment in the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21).

Speaking before a large gathering of labor, business, transportation industry and public interest, including U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines Chair Representative Thomas Petri (WI), Conference of Mayors Transportation and Communications Chair Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth L. Barr stated, "increased transportation investment is essential to meet the growing needs of our cities and strengthen the country's economy."

"Local officials are working to reduce traffic congestion, expand and improve rail transit services, and implement solutions to enhance the health, welfare and quality of life of our citizens," said Barr. "On a daily basis, our nation's mayors are responding to the public's demand for transportation choices and efficiency."

"Investment in transportation is not a special interest issue — it's a national interest issue," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber president and CEO, at the rally on Capital Hill. "Full transportation funding supports economic growth, increased competitiveness, a cleaner environment and a better quality of life."

"A growing economy relies on an efficient transportation network," said Donohue. "Without improvements, that network will be unable to sustain increased growth and activity in the future."

Highlighting the Conference reauthorization priorities, Barr called on Congress to "invest substantial resources in our nation's transportation system and maintain the funding guarantees of the highway and transit accounts."

Second, "to ensure maximum return on the transportation-dollar-investment, put the funds in the hands of local decision-makers where transportation systems are envisioned, built and operated."

Lastly, "protect the funding stream and firewalls of the transit program that serve as a central component of our nation's economic infrastructure."

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, for every $1 billion invested in federal highway and transit infrastructure, 47,500 jobs are created and $6.2 billion in economic activity is generated.

The rally, sponsored by the Chamber's Americans for Transportation Mobility coalition, highlighted that nearly $7 trillion in goods and materials are transported in this country each year. Moving those goods and people quickly and safely is critical to the nation's economic growth and competitiveness.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.