Why Are We Doing This?
While the country is in recession, the state of the construction and equipment industries is more like a depression, reflecting the worst conditions our industries have seen since the end of World War II. Skilled, well-paid workers are idle while we tolerate a transportation infrastructure that is ever more congested and increasingly unsafe.
But there is hope. At the end of September the current federal highway programs are set to expire. A multi-year reauthorization of these programs would direct badly needed monies to rebuilding and upgrading our nation's aging infrastructure. A multi-year plan would create the market certainty needed for state departments of transportation to plan and execute their infrastructure strategies and for contractors to rehire laid-off workers and purchase new equipment -- providing real, sustainable economic stimulus.
The money spent on a new highway bill isn't another bailout - it's an investment that the future of our nation depends on. While today our nation enjoys the benefits of one of the world's most efficient transportation systems that allows the movement of goods and services to market, that system is decaying rapidly. Already our economy loses billions every year on wasted fuel, time, and accidents that are caused by poor road conditions. An investment today in our transportation infrastructure will pay dividends for decades to come -speeding travel, putting people to work, building our economy and saving lives.
Members of Congress with the best understanding of our transportation needs, led by U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, want to reauthorize our surface transportation programs for another five or six years. The Obama administration and its congressional supporters, on the other hand, want only a temporary, under-funded 18-month extension. This is unacceptable.
The uncertainty caused by a lengthy delay will further shrink markets, cost jobs and idle or close more plants - some, perhaps irreversibly. And the damage to the equipment manufacturing and distribution industry will continue to multiply throughout the U.S. economy. A robust highway bill would stop the "job bleed" and put people back to work in good-paying manufacturing, distribution and construction jobs.
For these reasons the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) have come together to launch the Start Us Up USA Campaign. The goal of this initiative is to educate the public and policy-makers on the urgent need to begin work on a multi-year reauthorization of our highway programs today.
You can help. Get involved and let your voice be heard - tell Congress to get its act together on full reauthorization now - an extension won't cut it!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the goal of the Start Us Up USA! campaign? Who is backing this campaign and why? How many jobs has the construction equipment industry lost as a result of the current economic crisis? What impact would passing new transportation legislation have on the construction equipment industry? How many new jobs would it create?
Get answers to these and other frequently asked questions by visiting our FAQ.
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Key Facts and What You Need to Know about Start Us Up USA
Time is running out for the men and women of the construction and equipment industries. While the recession abates for others, the construction equipment industry is being left behind. It remains mired in a deep depression largely due to a lack of federal investment in needed transportation improvements that benefit the public and strengthen our nation’s competitiveness.
It’s time for government leaders to act now on smart solutions, not apply a temporary band-aid.
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U.S. Construction Equipment: Powering Jobs and Dollars
Construction spending and U.S. construction equipment sales are closely related. Generally, when investment in structures and infrastructure has been strong, so have the sales of construction equipment. During lean investment years, sales of construction equipment have plunged. A combination of sound monetary policy, prudent fiscal investments and strong business and consumer confidence is required to foster a strong construction environment. Doing this will also maintain a healthy construction equipment sector.
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Other Reports and Studies Highlighting the Need for Highway Infrastructure Investment
To read the Transportation Construction Coalition's 2009 report on the nexus between highway investment and driver safety, CLICK HERE
For the report authored by Professor Stephen Fuller of George Mason University on the market impact of highway infrastructure investment on the construction equipment industry, CLICK HERE
For an analysis of highway conditions and needs in your state from TRIP, CLICK HERE
For a report on the economic impact of congestion from the Texas Transportation Institute, CLICK HERE
For the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission's report explaining the need to double investment in highway infrastructure, CLICK HERE
For the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission's report explaining the need for a gas tax increase, CLICK HERE
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