Long-term highway funding is imperative

The current highway funding authorization extension expires Sept. 30. It is imperative a new funding bill be passed before then. Nearly 20 percent of U.S. construction workers are unemployed. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that 30,000 jobs will be created for every $1 billion in highway investment.

Just as important is the value of the infrastructure to be built. It is critical to economic growth and maintaining U.S. business competitiveness.

The federal gas tax has not changed since 1993. It does not rise with inflation or the price of gas, so the buying power of this user fee has diminished substantially since 1993.

A long-term solution to the transportation funding issue is critical.

Bill Gahan

Midwest Division President

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

Des Moines