ACEC President Strongly Rejects 18-Month Delay On New Six-Year Transportation Plan As Inimical To Recovery

Throws Support Behind Oberstar, Mica
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)-comprising thousands of
engineering firms at work rebuilding America`s deteriorating infrastructure, and
a supporter of President Obama`s economic recovery initiatives-is strongly
opposing the Administration`s attempt to delay consideration of a new six-year
transportation program.

Raymond emphasized the Council`s support for the effort launched today by House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) and
Ranking Member John Mica (R-FL) for congressional consideration of a six-year,
$500 billion Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last week urged Congress to delay
consideration of the six-year bill and pass an 18-month extension to allow
Congress "the time it needs to fully deliberate the direction of American
transportation polices."

ACEC President Raymond stated: "Delaying consideration of the six-year bill by
18 months to learn more about the subject is like delaying triage on an accident
victim in order to allow researchers more time to study the body`s blood system.
What will we know 18 months from now that we don`t know already? Two bipartisan
commissions have already conducted exhaustive studies and made very
straightforward recommendations. It`s time to move forward on legislation."

Raymond noted that an 18-month extension "simply prolongs the underinvestment
and uncertainty that are preventing states and metropolitan areas from pursuing
vital improvement projects. Without a six-year bill in place, transportation
planners cannot move forward with programs to reduce congestion and improve
safety, and subsequently will continue to cut back, delay or cancel projects."

"Failure to pass a full authorization bill undermines the investments made in
the President`s economic recovery program," Raymond added.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association
of America`s engineering industry, representing nearly 5,700 independent
engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of
America`s transportation, water and energy infrastructure, along with
environmental, industrial and other public and private facilities.Founded in
1909 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51
state and regional organizations.

ACEC
Alan D. Crockett
202-682-4301
Cell: 443-995-6364
acrockett@acec.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009