NSSGA leaders have hailed House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar, D-Minn., for unveiling a six-year, $450-billion surface transportation bill dubbed “The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009.” The legislation is expected to be introduced formally June 19 or June 22. Markup of the Oberstar bill is set for June 24 in the Highways and Transit subcommittee, led by Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.

The initial rollout of this bill comes one day after U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood met with Oberstar on behalf of the Obama administration, asking him to refrain from moving forward on it and instead support an 18-month extension of the current law. LaHood has stated this is necessary in order to replenish the Highway Trust Fund, which will otherwise run out as soon as the end of August.

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., echoed LaHood’s call for an 18-month extension. Other senators are said to be pushing for a two-year extension. Both options would have the effect of postponing reauthorization until after the 2010 midterm elections and into the 112th Congress that will convene in January 2011, NSSGA said.

NSSGA Chairman Gerard Geraghty, president and CEO of Rogers Group Inc., said, “NSSGA supports full funding of highways in FY ’09 in accordance with SAFETEA-LU, increased investment in America's transportation infrastructure going forward and development of a new vision of transportation for the 21st century. Improving our transportation systems puts people to work; an extension of the current law, whether for 18 months or two years, will not put people back to work or solve our freight road capacity crisis. We need to get America moving now.”

DeFazio has suggested that a “contingent” increase in the gasoline and diesel fuel user fees be passed, similar to one recently enacted in his home state of Oregon. Such increases would go into effect only after two consecutive quarters of economic growth, thereby alleviating concerns over raising taxes in the midst of a recession, or a date certain set by the legislature and governor. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee senior Republican John Mica of Florida has stated that he will put forward next week his own financing plan that does not raise taxes, but is said to provide financial support for $900 billion over six years.

Geraghty added, “A look at options, like the Oregon strategy, could be a part of the funding solution.”