Record highway funding will create jobs, fix roads.

Despite a veto threat from the Bush Administration, the United States Senate is expected to overwhelming pass the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act.

SAFETEA increases highway and transportation spending to a record level of $318 billion over the next six years.

It provides $311 billion for overall funding of highway and transit systems and an additional $7 billion for safety enhancement provisions.

"Today's votes indicate how strongly Senators support America's infrastructure as well as a pro-construction, pro-growth agenda that includes job creation," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr.

"Investing in America's roads, bridges, transit systems and other important infrastructure today, will pave the way for future economic growth, improve our roads and bridges for future generations and save lives."

SAFETEA recognizes that America's transportation network is a critical component in the nation's economy and that improvements to the highway system provide a sound foundation for economic growth. SAFETEA is the only direct job creation legislation before Congress this year, and according to the Bush administration, for every billion dollars in federal funding spent, 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 and save lives.

"While AGC understands the tough budget problems facing our country, the nation must be as cognizant of the infrastructure deficit as we are of the budget deficit," Sandherr said.

"Failure to invest in our nation's infrastructure will only increase the ultimate costs, placing budgetary pressures on future generations and administrations." In a letter earlier this week to the President, Sandherr noted, "... the Senate bill comports with the three conditions laid out by your administration: there is no gas tax increase; there is no bonding component; and the general fund contributions are offset by a collection of revenue enhancements; enforcement measures and tax loopholes closures.

" In short, the Senate bill is revenue neutral."