Modernizing Our Infrastructure to Free the Flow of People and Commerce
The time has come for a renewed commitment to consistency and quality in America's infrastructure. With each passing day, our bridges, roads, and rails are losing the capacity to handle a growing population and economy.
One-third of our major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and a quarter of our bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. The U.S. aviation system is incapable of efficiently handling the current passenger load, much less the 1 billion customers expected by 2015.
By 2020, every major U.S. container port is projected to at least double the volume of cargo it was designed to handle. Our inland waterways and railroads also need serious attention and new capital.
The consequences of inaction are unacceptable. Something must be done--now.
The U.S. Chamber will put money, people, research, programs, and strong political action around a sustained, long-term campaign to rebuild the economic platform of our nation. We will employ every resource at our disposal-our policy expertise, our lobbying clout, our grassroots capabilities, and our communications channels.
The Americans for Transportation Mobility - a national coalition - works 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.
Speech by U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue on March 20 in Lansing, Michigan
Grassroots Alert
Highway Trust Fund Near Crisis
America's surface transportation system is becoming increasingly congested and in many places is in disrepair. Both public and private usage of highways and public transportation systems are increasing at rates far outpacing infrastructure investment. A decaying surface transportation system costs our economy $63 billion annually in lost time and fuel, while congestion adds significant pollution to our air, and substandard roads claim thousands of lives every year.
ACTION NEEDED: Make your members of Congress aware of the impending Highway Trust Fund crisis. Ask them to communicate to House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee leadership that something needs to be done soon. Send an e-mail by clicking "Take Action Now" or call 866-346-VOTE (8683).
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