The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) Executive Director Leslie Blakey praised President Obama’s remarks on transportation infrastructure during his 2014 State of the Union address, especially noting his statement that “first-class jobs gravitate to first-class infrastructure.” “Since our founding in 2001, CAGTC has worked to educate decision makers on the critical role transportation infrastructure plays in supporting our national economy. Mere minutes into his 2014 State of the Union address, President Obama heralded our message, calling for increased investment in transportation infrastructure to attract ‘first-class jobs.’ He called out the surface transportation authorization and alluded to our multimodal freight network in urging Congressional action. He also indicated a willingness to look at corporate tax reform as a means of financing these investments, an acknowledgement that new and innovative sources of funding are necessary. CAGTC further applauds the President for distinguishing between investing and spending, reinforcing the former leads to increased overall economic health, global competitiveness and a more robust tax base in the long run. Investment in our nation’s multimodal transportation infrastructure will benefit U.S. businesses and jobs for years to come – a foundation that was willingly provided by previous generations and one we owe our children. Further, his commitment to exercise administrative powers to streamline permitting processes reflects understanding that eliminating bureaucratic inefficiency saves large amounts of time and money, delivering urgently needed projects that reduce congestion, fuel waste and pollution. This year, I watched the State of the Union through a different lens. Currently participating in the Cargo Logistics Canada Expo and Conference in Vancouver, Canada, I have been immersed in Canada’s tactical approach to infrastructure planning and investment. Our northern neighbor takes a full-spectrum view of their freight network and is a constant reminder of a nation striving to enable business through strategic investment in transportation infrastructure. The government of Canada is not afraid to be accused of working hand-in-hand with business to leverage public investment and achieve job growth through a robust industrial base. This concept is not new – it is one our nation adopted decades ago, but somewhere along the line, we’ve lost that vision. The President’s address brings hope that it is being recreated, with stronger focus and collaborative intent on the federal side. Our Congress should welcome and enable this approach. A commitment to investment in goods movement infrastructure and dedicated funding for a freight program is critical for America to ensure a safe, efficient and reliable multimodal supply chain that will continue to stoke the engine of commerce and support job growth.”