ATSSA expresses support for Rebuild America Act of 2019

The legislation would incrementally increase motor fuel user fees to rebuild U.S. infrastructure

ATSSA supports the Rebuild America Act of 2019, which would incrementally increase federal gasoline and diesel user fees to fund needed improvements to the nation’s aging infrastructure.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), would raise the user fee by five cents a year over the next five years, index them to inflation, and signal Congress’ intentions to replace the current system with a more stable funding source for U.S. infrastructure needs over the next decade.

Additionally, this increased funding would provide the foundation for the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and ensure that investments in roadway safety infrastructure are made on the nation’s roadways to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities.

“It is projected that as of 2021, the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) – a primary source of funding for highway and transit projects from the federal government – will be insolvent. As America becomes less dependent on gasoline-powered transportation and turns to alternative fuel sources, the revenue from the gasoline tax will not be able to keep pace with the funding needed to meet our country’s infrastructure needs,” said ATSSA’s President and CEO Roger Wentz. “The Rebuild America Act would close that gap by 2021. In supporting the Rebuild America Act, ATSSA and our members see an opportunity to ensure that funding for improving and repairing America’s infrastructure and improve safety on our roadways will be provided.”

ATSSA is the leader in roadway safety infrastructure and represents more than 1,500 member organizations across the country that manufacture, supply, install, and maintain roadway safety infrastructure devices that save lives on U.S. roadways.

“The gas tax was last raised more than 25 years ago, which means we are paying for our 2019 infrastructure needs with 1993 dollars. That is unacceptable. Our nation’s infrastructure is falling apart as we fall behind our global competitors. The cost of underinvestment falls especially hard on working families and low-income individuals who can’t afford the cost of a blown tire or lost wages due to congestion. It is past time that we get real about funding our infrastructure needs, we can’t afford inaction any longer,” stated Blumenauer in a release today.