Statement by Congressman Brian Higgins

Statement

This afternoon President Obama will announce a 4-year, $302 billion transportation proposal. The plan is supported by $150 billion in revenue earned by closing business tax loopholes and includes $600 million in new competitive TIGER grants. The current highway transportation bill is scheduled to expire this fall.

Congressman Higgins (NY-26) released the following statement in response:

"Our nation, our economy and our workers have been hurt by a severe lack of investment in America's infrastructure. According to the World Economic Forum, we are 24th in infrastructure quality. In 2001 we were number two, with a budgetary surplus.

"The President's proposal represents a more than $20 billion annual increase in infrastructure investment, a step in the right direction, yet the need is even greater. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that 46% of the roads in New York State are in poor or mediocre condition and gives the country a "D" grade for infrastructure overall. Seven cars cross Western New York's 99 deficient bridges each and every second.

"Investing in our infrastructure has historically been a non-partisan issue and is something we should embrace and advance as a national priority. In recent years we've spent more rebuilding the roads and bridges of Iraq and Afghanistan than here in the U.S. The time is now for nation building here at home."

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