Contractors transportation cash call.

As the highway reauthorization debate heats up in the U.S. Senate, the Associated General Contractors of America's CEO called on Senators today to support the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003 calling the SAFETEA package both good policy and extremely sound politics.

In addition, AGC also transmitted a letter to the President calling for increased investment over the $256 billion in the Administration's proposal saying that it does not keep up with inflation and fall well short of the Department of Transportation estimates on maintaining and improving the highway system. SAFETEA recognizes that America's transportation network is a critical component in the nation's economy and that improvements to the highway system provides a sound foundation for economic growth. SAFETEA is the only direct job creation legislation before Congress this year and for every billion dollars in federal funding, 47,500 jobs are created or supported.

The legislation also addresses the substandard road conditions and road hazards that contribute to nearly 1/3 of all fatal crashes each year.

Increased federal funding focused at improved road conditions will reduce accidents.

In addition, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on the highway system increased by 28 percent over the last ten years and VMT is projected to increase an additional 50 percent by 2020. Since 1988, the number of miles added to the highway system has increased by only one (1) percent.