The American Public Transportation Association has assembled a coalition of business groups, state transportation agencies and other stakeholders to host “Stand Up for Transportation” events around the country April 9.
More than 140 communities, along with leading transportation associations, have teamed up to urge federal lawmakers to boost investments in public transit, bridges and highways. Highway infrastructure is vital to the trucking industry. Events include a parade of at least 15 vehicles in downtown Phoenix to a press rally in Houston.
APTA has created a website with a petition for people to sign and a list of participating groups. To kick off the events, the association will unveil a report during a briefing at the Rayburn Office Building in Washington, D.C., that identifies the effects insufficient funding has on the transportation system.
APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy will be joined by Paul Balmer, legislative assistant for Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Drew Preston of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Koos, mayor of Normal, Ill. The event will begin at noon.
Melaniphy has criticized congressional transportation leaders for sticking with a funding plan that "is moving our country backward. Good enough is not good enough," Melaniphy said in March.
Federal highway funding authority expires May 31, and without the boost provided by the Highway Trust Fund, state officials have indicated they would delay or cancel big-ticket infrastructure projects.
