The Associated General Contractors of America said it was
pleased that President Barack Obama called for infrastructure improvements in
his Jan. 25 State of the Union address.
“In an era of fly specking the federal budget, the president was right to
distinguish between wasteful government spending and necessary infrastructure
investments,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive
officer. “As do leading Republican officials such as Virginia Gov. Robert
McDonnell and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, the president appears to understand
the vital role efficient and well-maintained infrastructure plays in supporting
broader economic growth. After all, companies can’t thrive and expand if their
deliveries are late and their employees are stuck in traffic.”
Sandherr called on Congress to OK funding to improve the nation’s roads.
“Investing in infrastructure now doesn’t just boost the private sector, it
protects the taxpayers,” he said. “Congressional leaders can further protect
taxpayers by enacting needed reforms that ensure public funds are invested in a
manner that is accountable and effective. It doesn’t take an earmark to keep
our traffic flowing and our bridges safe.”
