ATA Supports EPW Highway Bill Framework

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's scheduled markup of a bipartisan highway bill, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves issued the following statement:

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"As the representative of an industry that depends on a safe and efficient highway system, ATA is pleased that Sens. Boxer, Inhofe, Baucus and Vitter and their staffs have put together a substantive and innovative plan to address our nation's critical need to improve our infrastructure.

By consolidating the myriad of federal programs into just a handful of major initiatives, including one dedicated solely to the movement of freight, this draft ensures that federal dollars will be spent more wisely.

In addition to a freight-specific program, ATA is pleased that the committee's proposal includes a provision to provide more truck parking through the enactment of Jason's Law.

We are also especially appreciative, in a time of fiscal restraint, the committee has shown the wisdom to steer clear of the siren song of tolling to finance these needed changes. By preserving the current restrictions on tolling our Interstate system, the committee is ensuring that users of our highways continue to be taxed fairly and efficiently for that use.

While, as with any large piece of legislation, there are a number of parts of the bill that concern ATA, we hope they can be addressed as the process moves forward."

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Good stuff. Trucks Bring It!

SOURCE American Trucking Associations