TIA Position Papers - Federal Highway Reauthorization

OBJECTIVE
A safe and efficient surface transportation system will ensure national mobility and promote continued growth in travel and tourism. This can only be achieved through significant investments by the federal government in our nation's highway infrastructure.

BACKGROUND
More than 80 percent of all leisure and business travel occurs on the nation's highways. Whether by personal auto, rental car, bus or recreation vehicle, most Americans reach their destinations on public highways and roads. Recognizing the importance of highway travel, TIA has four key priorities as Congress continues its work to reauthorize TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century), the federal surface transportation program:

Overall Funding Levels: Overall funding for highway improvements is our industry's top priority. It is critical that our nation's highways, bridges and tunnels be properly maintained so travelers are safe on the road and reach their destinations on time. This increased investment is needed to support future growth in business and leisure travel in the U.S.

National Scenic Byways: The 21 All-American Roads and 75 National Scenic Byways in 39 states afford domestic and international visitors the opportunity to experience this country's unique historical, cultural and natural qualities. TIA supports increased funding for Scenic Byways to support marketing efforts, visitor information programs and scenic pullouts, along with other capital investments.

Transportation Enhancements: TIA has consistently supported the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program, which includes 12 categories of eligible activity that improve local communities by preserving historic buildings, landmarks and neighborhoods, and make roads and highways more attractive. TIA is particularly supportive of funds being expended for "tourist and welcome centers," and supports other TE activities linked to travel and tourism.

Federal Lands Highways: TIA also supports higher levels of funding for improvements to roads and bridges in our national parks, forests and other public lands, which are important destinations for both domestic and international visitors.

CURRENT STATUS
The Administration's highway and transit proposal (SAFETEA, or Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003) originally called for $256 billion in spending over six years. The Senate passed its own bill (S. 1072) in early 2004 at a level of $319 billion, while the House approved a bill (H.R. 3550) with $284 billion in funding. The White House repeatedly threatened to veto any package that exceeded its $256 billion plan, but after the August Recess in 2004 there seemed to be growing consensus around a $300 billion level of funding.

Unfortunately, long-term reauthorization was shelved in 2004 and Congress passed legislation extending the federal highway program through the end of April, 2005. In addition to the dispute over funding levels, several significant substantive issues were not resolved between the Senate and House during conference committee meetings last year.

OUTLOOK
As necessary as full highway reauthorization is, the outlook for movement on the issue in 2005 is not positive given the current budget situation. TIA will continue to lobby Congress to pass a six-year bill that makes significant new investments in our nation's highways and byways in order to provide safety and efficiency for domestic and international visitors.