With the current mood in Washington, there is a real danger of not having a long-term Transportation Trust Fund authorization in place until after the November 2012 Presidential election. Alternatively, if an authorization plan comes out of committee and is approved this year, we could see a two-year program. Both scenarios will be devastating to departments of transportation because they will have no long-term stable funding source on which to base their programs.

America's transportation system is an aging network of highways, bridges, tunnels, and transit systems broken down from years of underinvestment. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Transportation Conditions and Performance Report, we are investing less than half of what is needed to improve the nation's highway and transit systems. To meet these challenges, all levels of government must increase their investment and target innovative solutions to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, improve safety, and protect the environment.

Unfortunately, current Highway Trust Fund revenues do not even support existing highway and public transit funding levels. Projections show a $57-billion gap between current revenue and inflation-adjusted spending over the next six years.

This is a historic opportunity to generate immediate economic benefits and enhance quality of life in many communities. Moving forward with a long-term surface transportation bill would be an immediate boost to job creation and promote long-term economic recovery. Each dollar invested in highway and transit construction generates $1.80 of gross domestic product (GDP) in the short-term and each $1-billion supports more than 34,000 jobs.

Senators and representatives may be easily contacted through the following websites:

To contact your senators:

• Visit the U.S. Senate website.
• Choose your state.
• Click on Web Form link.
• Click the Comment button.

To contact your representatives:

• Visit the U.S. House of Representatives website.
• Type your zip code in the top right corner form. If multiple representatives cover your zip code, select from choices or add address information.
• Click on the representative's name.
• Click Contact Me on the right, then click the envelope.