ForConstructionPros.com

Even though the current highway bill (SAFETEA-LU) is not scheduled to expire until September 2009, industry organizations are already preparing for the fight to secure adequate funding levels for the years ahead.

As in past years, leading the charge is the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Yet, rather than stick with the status quo of pushing for more adequate funding, ARTBA has proposed a more visionary approach. To truly address current shortfalls in federal highway investment, as well as support future economic growth of U.S. commerce, the organization believes the next incarnation of the highway bill should put a more long-term plan in place.

In testimony before the National Surface Transportation and Policy Revenue Study Commission, Charles Potts, ARTBA first vice chairman, presented the concept of "a new 25-year federal initiative focused exclusively on developing the surface transportation capacity necessary to facilitate the secure and efficient movement of freight."

As part of this initiative, ARTBA recommends a federal-aid highway program structure that would include:

• a "Critical Commerce Corridors" (3C) program financed with new, freight-related, dedicated revenue streams that would improve U.S. freight movement and emergency response capabilities; reconstruct and upgrade the current Interstate System; and provide the new capacity and intermodal connections necessary for national and global competitiveness;