As reauthorization nears, goods movement coalition reaffirms need for dedicated freight funding

Congressmen Blumenauer, Lowenthal host staff briefing on funding needs and potential solutions, call on four industry groups

WASHINGTON, DC  – Speaking on a panel briefing today for Congressional staffers, Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) Executive Director Elaine Nessle emphasized the need for a program that reliably funds our nation’s multimodal freight system, allowing it to grow in lockstep with our national economy and population. The briefing, titled “Funding to Rebuild and Renew America,” was organized by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) to highlight funding proposals to improve our nation’s transportation system. Along with CAGTC, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), I-95 Corridor Coalition, and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) presented at today’s briefing.

Tasked with discussing freight funding needs, Nessle discussed Congressman Alan Lowenthal’s National Multimodal and Sustainable Freight Infrastructure Act, which calls for a 1 percent fee on the cost of moving goods. “Targeted, sustained, and robust investment in our nation’s freight system is necessary to maintain the strength of American industry in a competitive world marketplace,” said Nessle. “To maintain and improve freight infrastructure, dedicated funding, such as what Congressman Lowenthal has suggested, is required.”

Substantial freight infrastructure needs remain in key regions across the nation, as demonstrated in CAGTC’s Freight Can’t Wait booklet. Applications for the freight-focused INFRA program in FY17 & FY18 reveal there were nearly $12 in requests for every $1 available. The safety, efficiency and reliability of the national freight network is critical – the system directly supports 44 million U.S. jobs and the health of our nation’s other economic sectors are inextricably tied to it.

“The 2020 reauthorization is swiftly approaching and necessitates serious consideration of how Federal transportation infrastructure programs will be funded,” said Nessle. “We look forward to continuing our work with Congress and the Administration to identify solutions that will benefit our national economy for years to come.”