ATA: 'Highway investment will spur recovery'

Dec. 7, 2009

Investment in highway construction and repair will create jobs and spur economic recovery, officials from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) told President Barack Obama at last week's National Jobs Summit.

"We must make a long-term commitment to highway investment in order to give construction companies certainty that when they hire new employees or buy new equipment, the investment will pay off," said ATA Past Chairman Charles Wittington.

"Infrastructure spending makes U.S. businesses more competitive. Every dollar invested in the nation's highway system yields $5.40 in economic benefits as a result of reduced delays, improved safety and lower vehicle operating costs.

"In fact, if highway bottlenecks were eliminated... the trucking industry could save $19 billion every year."

Nearly 70% of U.S. freight is moved by truck, according to the ATA.