July 24, 2008
Lawmakers Tell Congress: Roads Need Repair, Freeways Need Fixed
State legislators share stage with Pennsylvania governor, New York mayor
Thursday, July 24
2:30 p.m., press conference
Room 213
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
NEW ORLEANS - As federal support for the nation's roads stalls, the National Conference of State Legislatures is calling on Congress to get it in gear.
In a letter to leaders on Capitol Hill, Oregon Senator Bruce Starr, chair the NCSL Surface Transportation Reauthorization Working Group, asked the federal government to work closely with states to develop a shared, long-term vision for financing and funding surface transportation systems that will enhance the nation's prosperity and the quality of life for all Americans.
"The time has come for policymakers at all levels of government to take a serious look at transportation funding," Sen. Starr said. "An underfunded transportation system threatens our nation's economic growth and global competitiveness as well as the safety, and quality of life all across America."
This congestion costs the nation more than $100 billion annually in wasted gas, vehicle wear and tear, lost productivity and increased air pollution. And with the price of gas hovering around $4 a gallon in most places, states can’t afford this burgeoning expense.
At the Legislative Summit in New Orleans, Sen. Starr will speak alongside New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell about the dwindling federal funding for the nation's transportation infrastructure.
 These infrastructure needs have been brought into vivid focus by the collapse of a bridge in Minnesota one year ago and the hurricane devastation in New Orleans. Bloomberg and Rendell, co-chairs with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, of Building America's Future Coalition, will discuss the urgent need for some $1.6 trillion over a  five year period to reverse the deterioration of America's roads, bridges and highways. They will speak at the General Session on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. as well at the "Bridging the Transportation Funding Gap" at 1 p.m.
States are taking the lead with innovative approaches to solving the transportation crisis. And together they call on Congress to ensure the roadways, highways and interstates are maintained for use by all Americans.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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