Legislation for Grant Program Introduced to Train Roadway Workers, Make Roadway Work Zones Safer and More Accessible

WASHINGTON, July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) applauds U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) on his introduction of H.R. 5819, the Roadway Safety Training and Access Act of 2010.  This bill authorizes funds for a competitive grant program to train workers on how to properly install and maintain guardrail, train non-traditional roadway workers (such as first responders and utility workers) on how to properly close down a lane of traffic and work on the road safely, as well as highlighting the need to make work zones compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This last section enables demonstrations to be put on throughout America which bring together industry, state DOTs and the disabled community to try out new and innovative products that might assist a person with a disability safely traverse a work zone.

Rep. Guthrie has been a vocal advocate for roadway safety infrastructure since coming to Congress in 2007 and before. Upon introducing H.R. 5819, Rep. Guthrie stated, "I hope that this bill will be included in a comprehensive surface transportation reauthorization. Too many families lose loved ones each year on our nation's roadways. The I-65 corridor in Kentucky has seen several tragedies this year. Hopefully this program will help to improve safety in these dangerous areas."

According to Roger Wentz, ATSSA's president and CEO, "ATSSA truly appreciates Rep. Guthrie's work and his steadfast support for roadway safety infrastructure and work zone accessibility, and Congressman Guthrie and his staff should be commended for their efforts to introduce H.R. 5819."

On the Web: www.atssa.com

SOURCE American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)