Industry Responds Positively to President’s Infrastructure Investment Proposal
Industry associations and manufacturers responded positively last week to President Obama’s transportation investment proposal to give a needed boost to the hard-hit construction industry as the stimulus bill runs its course. The President called for an increased investment in the nation's infrastructure, and talked of the economic importance to the United States related to the re-authorization of the multi-year national highway bill.
Stephen Sandherr, CEO of the Arlington, Va.-based Associated General Contractors of America said that while needed, the Obama Administration proposal, is no substitute for a long-overdue six-year surface transportation bill.
"The President clearly appreciates that the infrastructure-focused portions of the stimulus were effective in boosting employment and helping rebuild America's aging infrastructure,” Sandherr said. “And while the most effective sequel to the stimulus is passing a fully funded six-year surface transportation bill, countless thousands of construction workers will have a better chance of retaining their jobs thanks to this proposal than they otherwise would once the stimulus runs its course.”
Dennis Slater, president of Milwaukee-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers said, “America’s equipment manufacturing industry applauds the President for recognizing the vital importance of infrastructure investment to the long-term strength and competitiveness of our country. What America needs — and what voters want — is the Administration and Congress to work in partnership right now to finally pass a transportation reauthorization bill that will address longstanding safety and quality issues, and put Americans back to work.
“Investing in the rebuilding and modernization of our nation's roads, railways, runways and transit systems is a strategy that Democrats and Republicans alike should be clamoring to support. Instead, Congress has let a six-year bill expire while America falls behind other nations that are building infrastructure for future competition in the global marketplace. In the short term, this has and will continue to cost American jobs. In the long-term, it will cost us our competitive advantage — and even more jobs."
Citing the need for businesses large and small to remain competitive in the global economy, Caterpillar Inc. last week urged Congress and the Administration to work together on legislation that would improve the nation's highways, ports, airports, railways and infrastructure.
"Every week as I talk with our customers around the country, I hear from them that a long-term, multi-year highway bill for the United States is the fastest way to get more construction workers back on jobsites," said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar CEO. "In addition, as a nation we are at risk of falling behind other countries who have made aggressive investments in infrastructure improvements in recent years, putting companies like Caterpillar at a competitive disadvantage.
"We know there are still many details and specifics to be worked out; however, it is our hope that the Administration and Congress will come together and work toward a solution to improve our aging infrastructure."