Decision to Raise User Fees Will Protect Taxpayers and Help Cut Deficit While Providing Needed Boost for U.S. Businesses, Shippers and Consumers, Construction Groups Say

COLUMBIA, S.C., Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform has released a comprehensive plan to address the nation's runaway deficit and upgrade our critical transportation infrastructure. Both Carolinas AGC (Associated General Contractors) and the ARTBA (American Road & Transportation Builders Association) Chapter of the Carolinas support this proposal because it delivers critical resources that will create jobs and facilitate economic growth in our communities. 

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Jim Triplett, CEO of United Infrastructure and Chair of Carolinas AGC's Highway Division, notes, "The commission's transportation plan—including recommending a 15 cent increase to the federal gas tax as part of its plan to address the country's growing fiscal imbalance—is fiscally responsible and builds on the long-established principle of ensuring only those that benefit from this system contribute to its upkeep through a user fee.

"The state of South Carolina faces significant transportation challenges. For example, 27% of the state's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Driving on roads in need of repair costs South Carolina motorists $255 each year. Not to mention, 22% of South Carolina's bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete."

The federal motor fuels tax generates revenues that are invested in highway and public transportation improvements.  This tax, however, has not been adjusted since 1993 and has lost one-third of its purchasing power over the last 17 years, says ARTBA. 

According to Triplett, "Our country needs Congress to focus on creating jobs and reducing the deficit.  To help achieve these goals, South Carolina needs a strong transportation system in order to rebuild our economy.  The Commission's proposal will provide job creation and deficit reduction while also rebuilding our crumbling transportation system to provide for long term U.S. competitiveness.

"The Commission's plan makes the tough choices and identifies critical priorities that will help get our nation's economic and fiscal house in order.  We urge Sens. Jim DeMint and Lindsey Graham and Reps. Henry Brown, Joe Wilson, Gresham Barrett, Bob Inglis, John Spratt, and Jim Clyburn to support this thoughtful proposal."

Follow the Carolinas AGC SC Highway Division on twitter!

For additional information: Leslie Hope, Director, SC Government Relations & Divisions

704/372-1450 ext. 5515, lhope@carolinasagc.org

SOURCE Carolinas Associated General Contractors

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