AGC/ATM Meet with Obama Advisor

The Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) coalition met today with Mort Downey, former DOT Deputy Secretary and currently advisor to the Obama campaign on transportation to discuss the candidate’s positions on these issues. Mr. Downey presented a four page description of Sen. Obama’s positions which recognize the need to upgrade existing transportation infrastructure to meet current and future needs and create jobs. Sen. Obama has proposed a $60 billion over 10 year National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank to expand and enhance, not supplant, existing federal transportation investment. Included in the paper are positions on investing in a modernized air traffic control system, Amtrak funding, as well as high speed freight and passenger rail. Mr. Downey acknowledged that SAFETEA-LU reauthorization will be a top priority next year. While Senator Obama does not support raising the gas tax, he recognizes the need for increased revenue and is open to looking at a variety of ideas. AGC is a member of the Management Committee of ATM.