Freight Interests Applaud Highway Bill

The trucking and port industries praised the draft surface transportation or highway bill unveiled by Rep. James L. Oberstar, D-Minn., June 18, lauding provisions on federal reform and freight.

The American Trucking Associations and the American Association of Port Authorities both praised the proposed legislation’s Freight Improvement Program, which would steer more funding toward freight projects. They also endorsed its focus on federal policy.

“This proposal sends a strong signal that reform and expansion of the federal transportation program is essential,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.

“Congressman Oberstar’s proposed bill addresses goods movement challenges in ways that would help alleviate freight congestion on America's roads, rails and waterways, and that's a crucial step in propelling the country's long-term prosperity, security and environmental well-being,” said AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle.

ATA is worried about a proposal to expand congestion pricing, however, and warned against redirecting money from highways to fund non-highway projects.

The association suggests a 65 mph national speed limit for all vehicles to help states meet emissions reduction targets. “Also, allowing the safe operation of more productive, environmentally friendly trucks will go a long way to reduce carbon emissions,” said Graves.

A broader intermodal or multimodal vision could benefit ports, said Nagle.

“Seaports can play a critical role in our national economic recovery, but they need higher levels of federal investment in connecting infrastructure to create jobs, alleviate congestion and delivery prosperity. This bill goes a long way toward achieving that goal.”

Neither association said whether it would support Oberstar’s efforts to press ahead with the bill despite White House opposition. The current bill expires Sept. 30, and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wants an 18-month extension that bolsters the Highway Trust Fund and allows more time for policy discussions.

But ATA’s Graves did say timely authorization of the bill “is critical to ensure continuity of funding for important highway infrastructure projects.”