American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President and CEO Pete Ruane issued this statement:
"Today's overwhelming 74 to 22 vote in favor of the highway and transit investment bill is proof that bipartisanship is still alive in the Senate, and that Republicans and Democrats can find common ground on important policy issues that impact most Americans.
"We thank Senators Boxer (D-Calif.), Inhofe (R-Okla.), Baucus (D-Mont.) for their steadfast leadership in getting the job done, and all of the senators who supported the measure.
"The bill's provisions to maintain highway and transit investment levels, including adjustments for inflation, will help provide stability for the transportation construction market in the immediate future.
"The legislation also features a host of critical reforms ARTBA has advocated for years to speed delivery of transportation projects, build accountability in order to meet national goals, and provide greater flexibility to states in addressing their infrastructure needs.
"With the construction industry reeling from an unemployment rate that is more than double the national average, time is of the essence. It's imperative that the House complete action on its surface transportation bill when it reconvenes the week of March 19 so that a conference committee can reconcile the differences and get a final measure to President Obama as soon as possible."
Celebrating its 110th Anniversary in 2012, ARTBA represents the U.S. transportation design and construction industry before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, news media and general public.
