California Transportation Leaders Join Governor Schwarzenegger in Calling for New Federal Economic Stimulus Package That Includes Billions for State Infrastructure Improvements

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the California Alliance
for Jobs and Transportation California, two of the state’s leading advocates
for infrastructure investments, joined Governor Schwarzenegger in calling on
Congress to pass an economic stimulus package which would provide billions of
dollars for local infrastructure investments. Governor Schwarzenegger is
attending the National Governor’s Association meeting in Philadelphia to meet
with President-elect Barack Obama who has indicated he would like an economic
stimulus package passed by Congress prior to January 20.

Both groups warned, however, that California lawmakers and state and local
transportation leaders must take immediate steps in order to demonstrate the
state’s ability to put the federal funds to use when they become available.
Otherwise, California’s share of the funding could go to other states.

“There is little argument that California has tens of billions of dollars
worth of transportation infrastructure needs, but the real challenge will be
identifying projects that can be made ready to break ground within the next
four or five months and working together to clear obstacles that would prevent
that from happening,” said Jim Earp, executive director of the California
Alliance for Jobs. “Rebuilding infrastructure generates real jobs and is the
single most effective action the federal government can take to stimulate the
economy. But the legislature and transportation agencies must demonstrate a
willingness and ability to cut through red tape, move projects and put
thousands of people to work.”

Mark Watts, executive director of Transportation California said: “We
applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for being a strong advocate on behalf of
California’s economy. The Governor knows that every $1 invested in
infrastructure returns more than $5 to our overall economy. The new Congress
and President can immediately help the states and the nation on the road to
economic recovery by passing this stimulus plan. It means real jobs, real
investments in the states, and real economic recovery.”

Earp and Watts warned state lawmakers and state and local transportation
leaders that California must be ready to take immediate action to ensure we
receive our fair share of any federal dollars. Any legislation out of the
Congress would likely require states to demonstrate they can distribute funds
and start construction within a set, short timeframe.

That means California must quickly agree upon and finalize its list of
projects up and down the state that are construction-ready immediately. The
Legislature will also need to quickly pass an appropriation bill to ensure it
can start spending these dollars within the required time frame, and to clear
any unnecessary hurdles that would prevent utilizing federal funding for
construction-ready projects. Taking these steps will allow transportation
agencies to award contracts, break ground and start construction right
away — within four or five months.

“We know California has a real need for these funds, but that’s not
enough,” continued Earp. “We’ve got to be poised as a state to move quickly in
order to ensure we receive our fair share, to begin construction, and to put
our people and our economy to work right away.”

As a labor-management partnership, The California Alliance for Jobs
represents more than 1,700 heavy construction companies and 50,000 union
construction workers in northern and central California. The Alliance is a
leading authority on California’s infrastructure issues.
http://www.rebuildca.org

Transportation California is a coalition concerned about the future of
California’s transportation network. Our members are highway contractors as
well as allied labor and trade associations. http://www.transportationca.com

SOURCE California Alliance for Jobs and Transportation California