Issue 2-09

Industry looks to the Fall and Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization Debate

With Lord Stanley’s Cup safely back in western Pennsylvania and a few days to go until the official start of summer, the heavy and highway construction industry is busy bidding, building and repairing this region’s infrastructure. However, the industry is also focused on what will happen in the fall – and not because by then the Steelers will be actively defending their Super Bowl Championship. The reason we are looking forward in this edition of the CAWP News is because the current surface transportation reauthorization legislation expires on September 30, 2009, and Congress is currently working on a new six-year reauthorization.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided funds to keep state transportation programs moving forward and helped boost the sagging economy. However, the continuation of those job retention and creation benefits will largely depend on the results from the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Congress and the Administration have three months to draft and approve legislation to reauthorize critical highway, bridge, transit and aviation construction programs. A key issue to be addressed is how to fund highway infrastructure improvements. With the Highway Trust Fund’s balance running on fumes, new revenue will be needed to provide the investment necessary to address current and future demands.

This issue of the CAWP News focuses on stories highlighting the discussions taking place about the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.