Business Community to Push for Transportation Reform and Investment
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Will Travel to the Nation's Capitol to Discuss Transportation Investment Needs
(Lansing, MI) - The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) will join business representatives from around the country and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to tell Congress that it's time to invest in our highways, bridges, and public transportation systems. The meetings will take place Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15.
On September 30, 2009, the nation's core surface transportation programs will expire and Congress must seize this critical opportunity to improve existing programs and increase investment in the America's roads, bridges, and transit systems. Current federal resources cannot support existing service levels beyond 2009 and the current program framework does not adequately support national needs and objectives.
"Now is the time to drive infrastructure improvements that work for people and the businesses that serve them by supporting jobs, speeding commerce, and enhancing safety," said Janet Kavinoky, director of transportation infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "America's transportation system is aging and increasingly incapable of supporting the 21st century economy. Congress and the Obama administration need to make passing highway and public transportation reauthorization a top priority."
"Rebuilding Michigan's infrastructure is one of the most critical needs that must be met if we are to be successful in attracting new jobs and investment into our state," said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC senior vice president for public policy. "We need our roads, bridges, air and rail systems to serve as the engine for growth to compete in the global economy."
While President Obama and Congress included vital funds for transportation in the stimulus package, the stimulus cannot supplement systemic, comprehensive federal investment. Adequate transportation infrastructure capacity and cost-effective transportation services are essential to improving economic growth, increasing productivity, and maintaining the competitiveness of American businesses. Further, by creating jobs across construction, engineering, resources, and manufacturing sectors, transportation investment serves as an important economic driver.
While in Washington, The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will meet with members of Congress to discuss vital transportation needs for the Lansing region and to encourage Congress to reauthorize the existing transportation bill this year.
