Hillary Clinton: Senator Clinton Urges Thorough Review of Nation's Aging Transportation Infrastructure

Collapse of Minnesota Bridge Highlights Need for Independent Review of Nation's Aging Transportation System

August 13, 2007 -- Washington, DC – In the wake of the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called for the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission to redouble their efforts in compiling a comprehensive analysis of our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, a bi-partisan body which was created in 2005, is tasked with providing a comprehensive, independent analysis on the future transportation needs of our nation. The Commission is scheduled to release its report in December. In a letter to Federal Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, who is the Chair of the Commission, Senator Clinton called on the Commissioners to redouble their efforts to ensure they submit a thorough, independent assessment to Congress so that the needs of America’s aging highway and transit system can be thoroughly addressed. Senator Clinton authored the amendment that created the Commission under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

“If it wasn’t already crystal clear, the tragic events in Minnesota have served as a sober reminder of the shocking state of disrepair our nation’s transportation infrastructure has fallen into,” said Senator Clinton. “That is why it is critically important that the Commission put their full attention towards providing a comprehensive assessment, one that is above politics and partisanship, to address the needs of our aging highway and transit system.”

Reviews by both the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Federal Highway Administration (FHA) have provided a stark view of America’s transportation infrastructure system. The ASCE stated in 2005 that it would take upwards of $1.6 trillion to overhaul the aging system, and the FHA reported that 12% of the nation’s bridges are “structurally deficient” while another 13% are “functionally obsolete.”

Earlier this month, Senator Clinton welcomed Senate passage of the National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007, bipartisan legislation she introduced with Senators Carper, Voinovich and Coleman, to address the deteriorating condition of our nation's roads, bridges, drinking water systems, dams and other public works. The bill will establish a National Commission on Infrastructure of the United States, charged with aiding in the nation's economic growth and ensuring the nation's infrastructure meets current and future demands.

A copy of Senator Clinton’s letter to Secretary Peters follows –

August 13, 2007

The Honorable Mary E. Peters
Secretary
United States Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Madam Secretary:

In 2005, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) confirmed the poor state of our nation’s infrastructure, concluding that it would take an investment of $1.6 trillion to get everything from bridges to dams to rail networks to roads to public schools up to satisfactory standards. The recent bridge collapse in Minnesota underscores this point. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), 12% of the nation’s bridges are “structurally deficient” and another 13% are “functionally obsolete.” Our nation’s existing transportation infrastructure is in disrepair and it is inadequate for today’s demands.

As you know, Congress created The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005 to tackle many of the current problems that we face today when it comes to transportation infrastructure. This bi-partisan Commission was created to provide a comprehensive, independent analysis on the future transportation needs of our nation and the future of the Highway Trust Fund. It is imperative that we have a plan moving forward that identifies the needs of our highway and transit systems, as well as the needs of the highway trust fund so that the next time we reauthorize a highway bill, Congress will have a fresh look at what our nation’s transportation needs.

As the Chair of this Commission and in light of the bridge collapse in Minnesota, I ask that you and your fellow Commissioners redouble your efforts to provide a thorough comprehensive, independent analysis that is above politics and that provides a roadmap for Congress to address our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Next year Congress will be moving to the reauthorization of the SAFETEA-LU and the analysis conducted by the Commission will be critical.

I thank you for your immediate consideration of this important matter. I look forward to working with you in addressing our nation’s transportation needs.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

CC:

Commissioner Frank Busalacchi
Commissioner Maria Cino
Commissioner Rick Geddes
Commissioner Steve Heminger
Commissioner Frank McArdle
Commissioner Steve Odland
Commissioner Patrick Quinn
Commissioner Matt Rose
Commissioner Jack Schenendorf
Commissioner Tom Skancke
Commissioner Paul Weyrich

Source: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

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