AEM Commends Release of Infrastructure Report

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has commended the National Surface Transportation Policy and Review Study Commission for its just-released report on our nation’s infrastructure needs. AEM also urges Congress to carefully study the Commission’s recommendations as deliberations begin for transportation funding reauthorization.

The Commission’s report to Congress, “Transportation for Tomorrow,” is intended to provide a comprehensive blueprint of how America’s infrastructure needs can best be met for the future. The Commission was created by Congress under the SAFETEA-LU transportation legislation approved in 2005.

“We applaud the hard work of all Commission members. This was an enormous task and they have provided a thorough overview and thought-provoking recommendations,” says the 2008 Chairman of the AEM Glen E. Tellock, president and CEO, the Manitowoc Co. Inc.

The Commission estimates that an annual investment of $225 billion is needed over the next 50 years for adequate repair of America’s highway, transit and passenger rail systems.

“A vital infrastructure is an integral part of our daily lives at work and leisure,” Tellock says. “It is clear that we have enormous infrastructure repair and maintenance needs, and we encourage Congress and the administration to consider all options recommended by the Commission during reauthorization of the highway bill in 2009.”

More information is available at www.aem.org.