Requesting Extension of SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization through September 30, 2011

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation, representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region, strongly supports H.R. 662, the “Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011.”

The Chamber recognizes that Congress needs time to formulate a long-term reauthorization of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU reauthorization). At the same time, the 2011 construction season is imminent and unemployment in the construction sector is at a staggering 22.5 percent. States, localities, and other project sponsors need clarity now regarding the federal funding
commitments for this construction season.

An extension shorter than the remainder of the fiscal year would delay the job-creating capacity, safety, and connectivity projects that are needed to address the transportation challenges that cost our economy in wasted fuel, lost productivity, and delayed shipments of manufacturing inputs, consumer goods, and other items critical to the underlying growth of our businesses.

The Chamber urges Congress to approve H.R. 662 so that agencies and project sponsors can provide highway and public transportation investments during the 2011 construction season that contribute to much-needed economic growth, and support the backbone of business supply chains.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten