Short-Term Extension of TEA-21 Approved by Senate

“An extension is critical to keep highway construction from coming to a screeching halt,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).  “Furthermore, an extension will keep the hundreds of thousands of construction workers employed by AGC members around the country on the job.  Congress now needs to immediately turn their sights on enacting a comprehensive surface transportation bill that will bolster our economy, protect and create and preserve good-paying jobs, and improve our roads and bridges.”

The House and Senate were forced to consider a five-month extension of the TEA-21 because of an inability to agree on a much-needed comprehensive measure.  The highway bill provides federal funds for highways and public transit programs.  The delay in enacting a long-term bill hampers state DOT’s long range planning and could further delay construction projects in the beginning stages of construction or consideration.

Sandherr said, “The Interstate Highway System is a vital part of our nation’s economy.  While we are disappointed that an extension is a necessary, it is a first step to enacting a fully-funded highway and transit program for one of the most vital infrastructure systems to the nation.”

A comprehensive TEA-21 reauthorization plan is being advanced by the House Transportation & Infrastructure committee and includes $375 billion over 6 years – in order to create millions of jobs and rebuild our roads, bridges, and mass transit. The investment in highways and mass transit would create an additional 1.3 million jobs, while working to improve the one-third of America's roads, bridges, transit vehicles and facilities that are in poor condition.