[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 52 (Friday, May 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE NATION'S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to an article 
that appeared in my home town newspaper, the Daily News Journal, on 
Sunday April 26, 1998, concerning the future of our nation's 
transportation system.
  Mr. Kevin Backwell, Vice President, AAA Auto Club of the South, which 
has over 157,000 members in west and central Tennessee, makes a strong 
case for the need to invest in our country's infrastructure.
  This bill is especially important to the future of Middle Tennessee, 
because of the rapid growth we have experienced over the past decade. 
As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, this bill invests 
in the future of Middle Tennessee by looking toward new, innovative 
transportation systems, such as the Middle Tennessee Commuter Rail.
  This bill represents a strong commitment to the economic future and 
the quality of life of Middle Tennessee.

                     [From the Daily News Journal]

               Maintaining Highways Important for Nation

     To the editor,
       The good news coming out of Washington in recent weeks is 
     that Congress is finally addressing the concerns of America's 
     motorists with the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface 
     Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), and is prepared to 
     make significant investments in the nation's transportation 
     infrastructure.
       However, it would seem that critics of this legislation 
     have forgotten what it's like to drive on our nation's 
     highways and bridges; to sit in long lines of congested 
     traffic; dodge potholes; or to watch in frustration as the 
     nation's economic backbone crumbles from a failure to 
     properly maintain the system. Due to years of chronic 
     underinvestment, according to federal government reports, 
     one-third of all major roads in the United States are in 
     ``poor or mediocre condition'' and a fourth of the 570,000 
     bridges in the country are either ``structurally deficient or 
     functionally obsolete.''
       ISTEA does not propose to pave over America. The great 
     need--and primary goal of both the House and Senate bills--is 
     to repair existing roads and bridges. Outmoded and poorly 
     maintained roads and bridges cost lives and impair personal 
     mobility. They also negatively impact productivity and 
     economic activity. In a booming economy, there is no excuse 
     to allow the continued deterioration of the very 
     transportation system that sustains economic growth!
       When a corporation makes capital investments in outmoded 
     plants and equipment, we applaud its actions. Congress is now 
     increasing capital investments in our badly deteriorated 
     transportation infrastructure, and members who supported it 
     are to be commended.
       At first glance, the size of the increased investments in 
     transportation funding appear large. We need to remember that 
     they are spread out over the next six years. It is also 
     important to remember that every penny proposed for surface 
     transportation investment comes from revenues collected from 
     motorists through the federal gasoline tax. We pay taxes at 
     the gasoline pump to maintain our roads and bridges. We are 
     asking that those tax dollars be invested as they were 
     intended--not buried away in a trust fund to mask other 
     federal spending practices.
       As the conference committee negotiates the final details of 
     the bill to send to the president, we urge our leaders to 
     remain firm in their resolve. Investing in transportation is 
     investing in America's future. It is investing in safety. it 
     is the right priority for the 21st century.
     Kevin W. Bakewell, APR
       Vice President, Public & Government Relations, AAA Auto 
     Club South, Tampa, Fla.

     

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