WASHINGTON (November 4) – Citing the need for highway and infrastructure improvements in the State of Alabama and the impact on jobs, Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) is urging the House to pass a long-term transportation funding bill. 

            Congressman Bachus and 122 colleagues today sent a letter to House leadership supporting a multiyear renewal of federal surface transportation programs, which have been operating on a series of short-term extensions. They said a streamlined and fiscally responsible bill is a better approach than the stimulus plan proposed by President Obama.

             “There are highway and infrastructure projects that we know have to get done and the additional benefit would be immediate job creation. These projects will put people to work. Our state transportation department planners, local officials, and businesses need the certainty that only a long-term bill can provide. Making our transportation system more efficient and safer for the public is something that should attract bipartisan support,” said Congressman Bachus. 

            The last long-term federal transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU) expired in September 2009, requiring Congress to pass short-term legislation to keep the programs operating. 

             To view the letter, click here.