What ARTBA’s president thinks about the election results

American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Ruane issued the following statement about the election results:

“We congratulate President Obama on his hard fought victory.

“The centerpiece of both campaigns was about growing the economy, creating jobs and getting America’s fiscal house in order. Despite the deep divisions evidenced in the election results, there are certain priorities in which we all agree. Developing a comprehensive solution for the nation’s staggering transportation infrastructure challenges is one of these areas, and is wholly consistent with the economic and budgetary priorities shared by both parties.

“It begins with the establishment of a dedicated and sustainable transportation-related

Pete Ruane

revenue source, not on the further reliance of limited general funds. Urgently needed infrastructure improvements should not add to the deficit or detract from other government programs.

“The transportation-related proposals put forward by the Simpson Bowles Commission, for example, provide a road map for the continued success of the user fee principle and long-term solvency of the federal Highway Trust Fund.

“The two-year highway and transit law — MAP-21— proved at least one thing.  There is still strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for transportation improvements. The law includes worthy national goals and greater accountability. When fully implemented, it will help make the surface transportation programs more efficient. Now it’s time to finish the job by providing a long-term solution that will provide the revenue stream necessary to ensure the nation’s highway, bridge and transit network promotes economic growth rather than impedes it.

“In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, it’s never been clearer how important publicly-built infrastructure is to our mobility, economy, safety and quality of life.

“We look forward to working with President Obama and the 113^th Congress to help ensure federal investment in transportation infrastructure remains a national priority in 2013.”