On the recordMarch 2, 2011
I rise today to urge the passage of H.R. 662, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. As I heard from my friends and neighbors back home, job creation and rebuilding our economy is the most important issue facing us. Transportation funding means not only construction jobs but also for surveyors, heavy machinists, asphalt companies, grocers, hotels and restaurants. Historically, studies have shown that for every dollar spent on investments in transportation and infrastructure, the gross domestic product grows by $1.59, and for every $1 million spent on highways, 47 jobs are created. Poor roads and congestion are costing my constituents. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials estimates that poor road conditions cost this country $355 billion annually. H.R. 662 is a clean extension that would fund ongoing operations through September 30, 2011. Failing to extend this bill would hurt my district in terms of jobs, safety and costs to my constituents in wasted fuel and lost productivity. The 2011 construction season is just getting under way. Any disruption in funding will delay the construction industry's ability to create jobs and complete much-needed improvement projects. With unemployment in the construction sector at a staggering 22.5 percent, we must pass the extension and put more hardworking Americans back to work.
