Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Contact: Press Office Tel: 202-366-4570
Statements of Support for the GROW AMERICA Act
The Alliance for American Competitiveness: “A safe, efficient infrastructure is critical to the ability of U.S. based companies to be competitive in the global marketplace. It can be the difference between seizing opportunities for growth or being forced to watch them go by. Policymakers are right to emphasis this point as they begin the process of reauthorizing the current surface transportation authorization bill. The proposal put forward by the Administration today represents an important step in getting that process moving and a chance for bipartisan action on a matter of importance to all Americans. The emphasis on improving the movement of freight is especially welcome. We look forward to helping the Administration and Congress pass a multiyear surface transportation bill that keeps America competitive.”
Scott Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of UPS: “Transportation is the backbone of commerce and the U.S. must invest now in our roads, bridges, ports and airports to stay globally competitive. UPS commends Secretary Foxx and the U.S. Department of Transportation for their commitment to a plan that would increase the capacity, fluidity and connections of America’s integrated surface transportation network. We all live and operate in a global, connected world -- and we need connections that work, to put people to work and deliver on what they need. Growth and job creation are the destination; infrastructure is how we’ll get there.”
Penelope A. Gross, president of National Association of Regional Councils: “The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) commends U.S. DOT Secretary Foxx for strengthening the role of local governments in transportation through this proposal. Local governments – who own and operate nearly 80 percent of America’s highways and roads, over 50 percent our bridges, and 90 percent of the scheduled service transit – are closest to the citizens who use these systems every day, and are in the best position to direct transportation investment decisions toward projects that will have the most ‘bang for the buck.’ U.S. DOT’s Surface Transportation Incentive Funds will increase funding to local governments and help bolster our shared goals of improving safety, access to jobs, and overall economic vitality.”
Bruce Josten, executive vice president for government affairs of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “Having a concrete MAP-21 proposal from the administration is a positive step forward in the reauthorization process. Putting forward a plan generates important debate and discussion and highlights the reality that as a country, we must look not only at our immediate need to ensure the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund but also at how we meet the economic needs of the country on a multi-modal basis in the long run.
Combined with state, local, and private-sector resources, the next federal highway, transit, and highway safety program authorization bill could—with additional resources enabling spending beyond baseline levels—start to address the nation’s backlog of transportation needs and move projects forward that will support the U.S. economy, national defense, and personal mobility. The obvious remaining challenge is finding the resources for a fiscally responsible reauthorization package. The Chamber continues to believe that raising federal gasoline and diesel taxes is the simplest, most straightforward way to address the revenue problem in the near term.
MAP-21 reauthorization should deliver long-term, fully funded federal programs combined with reforms that build on its accountability and transparency measures; strong federal-state-local partnerships; provisions to enable ongoing innovation by the public and private entities responsible for designing, building, operating, maintaining, and financing transportation infrastructure; multi-year capital planning based on needs and not politics; and efficient project delivery from conception to completion.
The Chamber looks forward to reviewing the details of the draft bill and working with the administration and Congress to deal with both the current Highway Trust Fund cash flow problem and future revenue shortages.”
Bob Darbelnet, president and chief executive officer of AAA: “AAA applauds Secretary Foxx and President Obama for being the first out of the gate with legislation that would improve the nation's roads and bridges, enhance driver safety and provide a more reformed and accountable federal transportation program.
The GROW AMERICA Act contains no earmarks, no Bridges to Nowhere — instead, it delivers on the core responsibility of the federal government, which is to facilitate interstate commerce, enhance personal mobility, make our roads safer and keep America globally competitive in a rapidly changing world.
The recommended funding levels in this bill are robust and consistent with the levels independent experts have been telling us for years are necessary. They should send a clear message to Congress that swift action is needed to avert a transportation crisis.
While AAA is still reviewing the bill language, this proposal does continue the trend of addressing the Highway Trust Fund shortfall with a solution that is short-term and politically palatable rather than long-term and fiscally responsible. AAA is encouraged that the Administration is taking the lead in laying out the goal of a multi-year reauthorization bill, however corporate tax reform and other one-time patches must not be the only funding solutions considered. AAA continues to believe that an increase to the federal gas tax is the most effective and sustainable funding mechanism, provided the additional funds are thoughtfully spent on transportation improvements that ease congestion and increase safety.
AAA looks forward to working with President Obama, Secretary Foxx and Congress in the coming weeks to pass legislation that improves our transportation system for the benefit of all Americans.”
Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights: “Access to transportation is vital to connecting communities to jobs, schools, housing, and health care services - and even to grocery stores and nutritious food. But millions of low-income and working-class people, people of color, and people with disabilities live in communities where quality transportation options are unaffordable, unreliable, or nonexistent.
With the Highway Trust Fund likely to run out this summer, compromising transportation projects, jobs, and hurting already ailing communities, we commend the administration for taking action by sending the GROW AMERICA Act to Congress.
The administration’s proposal helps lay the foundation for a transformative surface transportation reauthorization bill, one that ensures that the civil and human rights of all individuals can be protected through robust investments in transit, increased safety protections, and the creation of job opportunities in the transportation industry.
We look forward to working to make this bill an even better model that Congress can adopt and pass without delay.”
Ray LaHood, co-chair of Building America’s Future: “Our nation’s economy relies on its roads, bridges, rails and runways. President Obama’s plan to upgrade and modernize these systems is just what the doctor ordered. Congress must now do its part to pass this legislation so that the states receive the money necessary to maintain and improve these essential transportation networks. Our economic future depends on it.”
Rahm Emanuel, mayor of Chicago: “I welcome the investments outlined in the GROW AMERICA Act sent to Congress today and applaud President Obama and Secretary Foxx for their commitment to our nation’s roads, bridges, transit systems and freight networks. The Administration has set forth an agenda that not only spurs job creation through innovative investment, but strengthens our nation’s critical infrastructure, the backbone of our economy in Chicago and across the country.”
James T. Callahan, general president of the International Union of Operating Engineers: “Political pundits say that fixing the Highway Trust Fund will be a ‘heavy lift’ for Congress this year. Operating Engineers know all about heavy lifts, and securing future funding for transportation infrastructure is not one of them.
Today’s release by the White House of a four-year, $302 billion reauthorization bill is a solid blueprint for progress. Members of Congress and Secretary Foxx have all signaled the importance of finding a bi-partisan solution quickly and we agree. There is no time to waste.
We are calling on Congress to build upon this proposal and put in place a measure that delivers long-term certainty to transportation planning and opens on ramps to job creation in the construction industry.
Allocating funds that build and repair our roads, bridges and transit systems is governing at its most basic level. Now is the time for Congress to do its job so we can do ours. Leave the real heavy lifting to the men and women of the Operating Engineers.”
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Statements of Support for the GROW AMERICA Act
Secretary Foxx Sends Transportation Bill to Congress
DOT 39-14 Secretary Foxx Sends Transportation Bill to Congress WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today unveiled a long-term transportation bill he is sending to Congress for consideration as the House and Senate face looming deadlines to avoid the economic uncertainty and job loss that would ensue if the Highway Trust Fund runs out of money this summer. The GROW AMERICA Act reflects President Obama’s vision for a four-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that would create millions of jobs and lay the foundation for long-term competitiveness, rebuilding crumbling roads and bridges while providing much-needed certainty for local and state governments and addressing the country’s future needs. “I visited eight states and 13 cities as part of my Invest in America, Commit to the Future bus tour this month and everywhere I went, I heard the same thing – people want more transportation options and better roads and bridges to get them where they need to go,” said Secretary Foxx. “Failing to act before the Highway Trust Fund runs out is unacceptable – and unaffordable. This proposal offers the kind of job creation and certainty that the American people want and deserve. I have been pleased to see that members of both parties are already working together to solve these challenges, and I look forward to continuing our discussion and to supporting and building on the good work that’s already been done.” On February 26, Secretary Foxx joined President Obama to announce a plan to address the nation’s infrastructure deficit with a $302 billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal. As outlined in the FY2015 budget, the plan will invest in our national infrastructure network, increase safety and efficiency, and provide greater access to ladders of opportunity, all without adding to the deficit, by relying on the President’s proposed pro-growth business tax reforms. The GROW AMERICA Act is based on this plan, and represents a number of proposals that have historically attracted bipartisan support including: “GROW AMERICA makes the sizable investment needed to improve our country’s roads and bridges,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “Improving U.S. infrastructure is a national priority, and will ensure America’s economy remains robust for generations yet to come.” “The Administration’s proposal makes forward-leaning investments in ladders to economic opportunity for the many millions of Americans who want to work, or simply need a reliable and safe way to get to work,” said Deputy Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan. “The GROW AMERICA Act will put thousands of Americans to work on repairing and expanding our aging transit infrastructure, while training women, minorities, and veterans to fill the jobs gap in transit through innovative new workforce development programs.” “The GROW AMERICA Act will provide rail with a predictable, dedicated funding source and the tools needed to drive the next generation of rail safety and development,” said Joseph C. Szabo, Federal Railroad Administrator. “It lays out a comprehensive strategy to eliminate risk on railroads through data-driven enforcement, proactive safety programs that identify risk in advance, and strong capital investment. The safety gains identified in the bill, coupled with new investments in a higher performance rail network will move rail into the 21st Century.”
“Commercial bus travel is increasingly popular and this legislation will build on our unprecedented efforts to make it even safer by expanding oversight to bus ticket brokers and the locations where motorcoaches can be inspected,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "In addition, it will ensure fair pay for long-distance bus and truck drivers who are often paid by the miles they travel, not their total time on-duty, and face economic pressure to jeopardize safety by driving beyond the mandatory limits.”
“Whether traveling by motor vehicle, walking or bicycling, we are committed to ensuring that Americans reach their destinations safely. Our approach will continue to support both safer behavior and safer vehicles to prevent deaths and injuries on our roadways,” said Acting Administrator David Friedman, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “As the nation’s top regulator of the automotive industry, we hold manufacturers accountable for defect and compliance issues regarding their products and are seeking to further our ability to do so in the future, including increasing civil penalty limits nearly 10 times to $300 million."
“On a typical day, more than 6.1 million tons of hazmat move throughout our nation’s transportation network,” said Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrator Cynthia Quarterman. “The GROW AMERICA Act promotes efficiencies and improvements that will help PHMSA ensure that the transport of hazmat by road, rail, air and water continues to move safely and efficiently.”
Earlier this month, Secretary Foxx traveled across the country on his Invest in America, Commit to the Future bus tour, with visits to manufacturers, bridges, freight facilities, and highway projects to raise awareness of America’s infrastructure deficit. Secretary Foxx met with business leaders, stakeholders and members of communities to discuss the projects that work, projects that are needed, and to ask them to commit to a future with an American transportation system that’s second-to-none.
In the face of current uncertainty of federal transportation investment, many states have postponed or canceled needed transportation projects altogether. And without additional investment, deficiencies in our nation’s infrastructure will cost businesses more than $1 trillion every year in lost sales. Despite this growing need, the Highway Trust Fund, which provides most of the federal support for state transportation projects, is on track to start bouncing checks as early as August. In January, the Department of Transportation began posting a ticker online so the American people can track the remaining funds, available here.
# # # You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
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Secretary Foxx Sends Transportation Bill to Congress
DOT 39-14 Secretary Foxx Sends Transportation Bill to Congress WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today unveiled a long-term transportation bill he is sending to Congress for consideration as the House and Senate face looming deadlines to avoid the economic uncertainty and job loss that would ensue if the Highway Trust Fund runs out of money this summer. The GROW AMERICA Act reflects President Obama’s vision for a four-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that would create millions of jobs and lay the foundation for long-term competitiveness, rebuilding crumbling roads and bridges while providing much-needed certainty for local and state governments and addressing the country’s future needs. “I visited eight states and 13 cities as part of my Invest in America, Commit to the Future bus tour this month and everywhere I went, I heard the same thing – people want more transportation options and better roads and bridges to get them where they need to go,” said Secretary Foxx. “Failing to act before the Highway Trust Fund runs out is unacceptable – and unaffordable. This proposal offers the kind of job creation and certainty that the American people want and deserve. I have been pleased to see that members of both parties are already working together to solve these challenges, and I look forward to continuing our discussion and to supporting and building on the good work that’s already been done.” On February 26, Secretary Foxx joined President Obama to announce a plan to address the nation’s infrastructure deficit with a $302 billion, four-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal. As outlined in the FY2015 budget, the plan will invest in our national infrastructure network, increase safety and efficiency, and provide greater access to ladders of opportunity, all without adding to the deficit, by relying on the President’s proposed pro-growth business tax reforms. The GROW AMERICA Act is based on this plan, and represents a number of proposals that have historically attracted bipartisan support including: • Addressing the shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund and providing an additional $87 billion to address the nation’s backlog of deficient bridges and aging transit systems; “GROW AMERICA makes the sizable investment needed to improve our country’s roads and bridges,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “Improving U.S. infrastructure is a national priority, and will ensure America’s economy remains robust for generations yet to come.” “The Administration’s proposal makes forward-leaning investments in ladders to economic opportunity for the many millions of Americans who want to work, or simply need a reliable and safe way to get to work,” said Deputy Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan. “The GROW AMERICA Act will put thousands of Americans to work on repairing and expanding our aging transit infrastructure, while training women, minorities, and veterans to fill the jobs gap in transit through innovative new workforce development programs.”
“The GROW AMERICA Act will provide rail with a predictable, dedicated funding source and the tools needed to drive the next generation of rail safety and development,” said Joseph C. Szabo, Federal Railroad Administrator. “It lays out a comprehensive strategy to eliminate risk on railroads through data-driven enforcement, proactive safety programs that identify risk in advance, and strong capital investment. The safety gains identified in the bill, coupled with new investments in a higher performance rail network will move rail into the 21st Century.”
“Commercial bus travel is increasingly popular and this legislation will build on our unprecedented efforts to make it even safer by expanding oversight to bus ticket brokers and the locations where motorcoaches can be inspected,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "In addition, it will ensure fair pay for long-distance bus and truck drivers who are often paid by the miles they travel, not their total time on-duty, and face economic pressure to jeopardize safety by driving beyond the mandatory limits.”
“Whether traveling by motor vehicle, walking or bicycling, we are committed to ensuring that Americans reach their destinations safely. Our approach will continue to support both safer behavior and safer vehicles to prevent deaths and injuries on our roadways,” said Acting Administrator David Friedman, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “As the nation’s top regulator of the automotive industry, we hold manufacturers accountable for defect and compliance issues regarding their products and are seeking to further our ability to do so in the future, including increasing civil penalty limits nearly 10 times to $300 million."
“On a typical day, more than 6.1 million tons of hazmat move throughout our nation’s transportation network,” said Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrator Cynthia Quarterman. “The GROW AMERICA Act promotes efficiencies and improvements that will help PHMSA ensure that the transport of hazmat by road, rail, air and water continues to move safely and efficiently.”
Earlier this month, Secretary Foxx traveled across the country on his Invest in America, Commit to the Future bus tour, with visits to manufacturers, bridges, freight facilities, and highway projects to raise awareness of America’s infrastructure deficit. Secretary Foxx met with business leaders, stakeholders and members of communities to discuss the projects that work, projects that are needed, and to ask them to commit to a future with an American transportation system that’s second-to-none.
In the face of current uncertainty of federal transportation investment, many states have postponed or canceled needed transportation projects altogether. And without additional investment, deficiencies in our nation’s infrastructure will cost businesses more than $1 trillion every year in lost sales. Despite this growing need, the Highway Trust Fund, which provides most of the federal support for state transportation projects, is on track to start bouncing checks as early as August. In January, the Department of Transportation began posting a ticker online so the American people can track the remaining funds, available here.
# # # You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
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BTS Releases February North American Freight Numbers
BTS 21-14 Advisory BTS Releases February North American Freight Numbers: Two of five transportation modes – truck and pipeline – carried more U.S.-NAFTA trade in February 2014 than in February 2013, according to the TransBorder freight data released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Trade using truck grew the most of any mode, 2.6 percent, as the value of overall U.S. trade with its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico rose 1.3 percent from year to year. Trade by Mode While trade by truck rose 2.6 percent, trade using other modes declined 0.6 percent from year to year. Air declined 3.1 percent, rail declined 2.5 percent and vessel declined 0.3 percent. Pipeline rose 0.1 percent. Truck carries nearly three-fifths of U.S.-NAFTA trade and is the most heavily utilized mode for moving goods to and from both U.S.-NAFTA partners. Truck carried 59.8 percent of the $89.6 billion of U.S.-NAFTA trade in February 2014, accounting for $27.8 billion of exports and $25.8 billion of imports. The value of freight carried by rail decreased from year to year but rail was still the second largest mode, at 14.7 percent, followed by vessel at 9.6 percent, pipeline at 7.6 percent and air at 3.5 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 82.2 percent of the total NAFTA freight flows. Trade with Canada Year to year, the value of U.S.-Canada trade by vessel increased the most of any mode, growing 17.6 percent. Vessel freight exports to Canada increased 66.5 percent due to an increase in exports of mineral fuels. Meanwhile, U.S.-Canada trade by pipeline decreased by 1.1 percent. U.S.-Canada pipeline trade comprised 94.5 percent of total U.S.-NAFTA pipeline trade in February. Trade with Mexico Year-to-year, the value of trade by pipeline increased the most of any mode, growing 25.5 percent, but pipeline trade remained less than 1 percent of total U.S.-Mexico trade. Trade using rail rose 7.1 percent while truck freight increased 5.2 percent. Freight moved by vessel declined 7.9 percent while air freight decreased 2.0 percent. See BTS Transborder Data Release for summary tables and additional data. See North American Transborder Freight Data on the BTS website for additional data for surface modes since 1995 and all modes since 2004. # You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
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DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: April 26, 2014
National Take-Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications.
This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to dispose of those medications easily and safely.
For more information, including a Collection Site Locator and a Partnership Toolbox, visit DEA's website.
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