AASHTO News, 20 September 2011
WASHINGTON, DC – The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials today commends the Senate transportation appropriations subcommittee for approving a draft fiscal 2012 appropriations bill that would maintain current funding levels for highways and transit.
“This is another critical step in the right direction,” said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director. “Last week, the House and Senate approved a six month extension of surface transportation authorization legislation at current funding levels. However, Congress still needs to appropriate the funds. We encourage the full Senate Appropriations Committee to approve the legislation at its meeting tomorrow, and for the Senate to pass the bill as soon as possible.”
The Senate panel’s action today comes in stark contrast to legislation passed two weeks ago by the House transportation appropriations subcommittee to cut federal highway and transit funding by 34% for next fiscal year.
“AASHTO applauds Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Washington), the subcommittee ranking minority member Susan Collins (R-Maine), and the entire subcommittee for taking this action, which avoids a major reduction in transportation investment for FY 2012,” Horsley said. “The cuts proposed in the House bill would eliminate 500,000 jobs, not to mention putting the nation further behind on many critical transportation improvements.”
