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Overheard “We don’t build bridges anymore. We don’t build tunnels, we don’t build airports, we don’t built large, visionary capital projects. Why? Because it’s very hard and difficult and risky and there’s always opposition…I will prevail in the end, but I’m sure it’s going to be a long and difficult journey.” N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), in a June 26 “New York Times” article expressing his determination to move forward on the construction of a new Tappan Zee Bridge in Westchester County. “President Obama, Mitt Romney and politicians all over Washington have described the scheduled student-loan hike as some sort of economic emergency. It isn’t. Keeping the student-loan rate extra low is an expensive gimmick. Funding highways is a basic federal responsibility.” “Washington Post” editorial June 24. “America’s infrastructure needs are so huge, and so painfully obvious, that it’s mind-boggling we’re not investing more. The U.S. government can now borrow for five years at about 0.75% and for 10 years at about 1.7%. Both rates are far below expected inflation, making real interest rates sharply negative. Yet legions of skilled construction workers remain unemployed while we drive our cars over pothole-laden roads and creaky bridges. Does this make sense?” Economist Alan Blinder in a June 25 “Wall Street Journal” op-ed.
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ART BA Washington Newsline
Legislative & Regulatory News House Approves Status Quo Investment Levels
ARTBA Chair Participates in White House Event on Infrastructure and Jobs
Continued from page 1
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of the FY 2013 transportation funding measure April 19, but has not yet scheduled consideration by the full Senate. The Senate proposal also would fund the core federal highway program at $39.1 billion, but would increase federal transit capital investments by $89 million above current levels compared to the House bill’s $138 million cut. Prior to final passage, the House voted on four amendments to the appropriations bill. The House approved amendments by: Representative Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) to block federal funds for the Third Street Light Rail project in San Francisco, Calif.; Representative Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) to block federal funds for high-speed rail investment in California; and, Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.) to block use of the appropriated funds to enforce the Migratory Bird Act. The House rejected an amendment offered by Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) to reduce the bill’s overall investment levels by one percent.
2012 ARTBA Chairman and HNTB Holdings President, Paul Yarossi (front row, first on right) joined business leaders and infrastructure experts at the White House June 27 to discuss strategies for creating “Jobs of the Future” in infrastructure, particularly within the Latino community. The group of business leaders, state and local government transportation agency leaders, transit and toll road officials and senior administration officials discussed U.S. policies and views toward infrastructure. They also shared success stories, best practices and thoughts on how to continue to support job growth.
Multimodal News
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TRB Newsletter: June 26
Highlighting new research, technologies, industry best practices and information resources available to the transportation design and construction industry.