Transportation and Infrastructure front and center as Congress returns

With Congress returning to work, the issues of job creation and transportation and infrastructure spending appear to be closely linked. 

The President has already given one speech urging Congress to approve another extension of the current transportation funding authorization, and all reports indicate that his speech this week will also focus on job creation through spending on transportation and infrastructure.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair, Congressman Mica, has also publicly voiced agreement for "one additional highway program extension".  And Senator Barbara Boxer, chair of the lead Senate committee on the issue has issued a letter to Senators urging a two-year extension. 

According to figures released by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, without some kind of extension, Michigan could lose $1.1 billion in funding and over 39,000 jobs.

With the current extension set to expire at the end of this month, both the National League of Cities and U.S. Conference of Mayors have urged Congress to pass an extension upon their return. 

Members are strongly urged to contact their congressional representative and Senators Levin and Stabenow and urge them to pass a clean extension of both the bill and associated user fees.  Recall that the federal gas tax is also set to expire at the end of September.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.