Time is running short for Congress to take action on a multi-year highway and transit reauthorization bill.  SAFETEA-LU authorization expired on September 30, 2009 and the program has been operating under short term extensions ever since. In addition, the Highway Trust Fund is depleted and infusions of general fund revenue have been needed for it to meet its obligations.

Members of Congress will be home this week for the Fourth of July recess and also in August. This is an excellent time to make them aware of the impact this lack of action by Congress is having on your state's highway construction program.

AGC and our Transportation Construction Coalition partners have created a grassroots toolkit for your use in discussing this issue with your Senators and Representatives, urging them to pass a long-term, well-funded surface transportation bill when they return to Washington.

The toolkit is available here, and includes:

• How to request a meeting with your home representative
• Talking points and background facts on highway/transit bill authorization
• Draft letter to the editor
• Template op-ed column for local newspapers
• Tips on effectively communicating with elected officials
• State-by-state data on congestion costs and infrastructure needs
• A look at congestion costs for major metropolitan areas
• Congestion data map

Please let us know the results of meetings over the July 4th Recess using this form. TCC's goal is to make sure every member of Congress hears about the need for a surface transportation bill.

For more information, contact Brian Deery at deeryb@agc.org.