On the recordApril 1, 1998
As a former local official deeply committed to economic development projects, I truly appreciate the significance of this transportation bill. America's economy depends heavily on the interstate highway system. For example, nearly $6 trillion worth of goods are transported over our Nation's highways, yet we are allowing our roads to deteriorate. Over the past 25 years, road use has grown more than 15 times the highway capacity. This has left many of our roads and bridges in need of serious repair. In fact, the Department of Transportation has determined that 12,000 accidents occur each year as a result of poor highway conditions. Thirty percent end up in fatalities. Furthermore, 59 percent of all roads and 31 percent of all bridges in America are in need of repair, or are structurally deficient. We must begin investing now to improve the quality and safety of our roads.
Source
govinfo.gov
