WASHINGTON, April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's roads and bridges are already overburdened and any "gas tax holiday" -- including the one proposed by Sen. Hillary Clinton -- would only delay much needed transportation projects the American Society of Civil Engineers said today. A moratorium on the gas tax poses a significant threat to the U.S. economy, and could potentially increase the cost per driver caused by traffic congestion and poor road conditions. It will provide no tangible benefit to the American people, and any plan for restoring the $8.5 billion in lost transportation funding is unlikely.
"Under investing in infrastructure for short-term gain will just further undermine our economy in the long run, and it is disappointing that some of our nation's leaders don't understand that," said ASCE president David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE. "The American people are questioning what can be done in these difficult economic times, but a short-sighted proposal like Sen. Clinton's is not the answer."
Lost productivity and wasted fuel due to traffic congestion costs the average American motorist $710 a year -- nearly a full work week and more than 25 gallons of gas--and cars and trucks idling in traffic are one of the greatest contributors to carbon emissions. But, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every dollar invested in the nation's highway system yields $5.40 in economic benefits in reduced delays, improved safety and lower vehicle operating costs. And, every billion dollars in federal highway construction spending generates more than 30,000 jobs annually.
For more information on ASCE's Report Card for America's Infrastructure and Action Plan for the 110th Congress, please visit: http://www.asce.org/reportcard.
American Society of Civil Engineers
