HUNDREDS RALLY TO SUPPORT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Mar 21, 2012  |  Today's News

Leading bipartisan Members of Congress joined hundreds of members of the transportation construction industry and its suppliers in Washington D.C. Tuesday to support the passage of a multi-year, fully funded transportation bill.  The second annual RALLY for ROADS brings attention to the impact transportation and highway investment has on our nation's economy.

Paul Taylor, Esmond, Illinois farmer and Vice President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, spoke at the event.

"The nation's transportation infrastructure is essential to the nation's agriculture sector.  Without sufficient investment in America's roads and highways there will be further deterioration, slowing our ability to get corn to the rail or to the lock and dam systems on the Missisisppi, Illinois and Ohio Rivers over which much of our corn travels to port for export," Taylor said.

RALLY for ROADS is a bipartisan rally sponsored by 15 national transportation construction associations.  Ten members of Congress participated in the event including Chairman for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. John Mica (R-FL) and Democratic Chief Deputy Whip, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA).  Representatives from all facets of the road construction, manufacturing, services, retail, agriculture and natural resources industries will join together to support the rally.

"Deficiencies in America's surface transportation systems have cost households and businesses billions of dollars," said Kerri Leininger, a RALLY for ROADS spokesperson and the Senior Vice President of Government and Political Affairs for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.  "Our livelihoods depend on America's roads.  The support for RALLY for ROADS from congressional and industry members highlights the importance of getting our nation's infrastructure back on track."