No matter where you may believe
the federal Highway Trust Fund spending level will ultimately rest on the
spectrum between the House measure’s $34.6 billion annually and the Obama
administration’s $79.2 billion annually, the sad fact is that these
appropriations are offset by dramatic cuts to other federal construction
spending programs, to the ultimate long term continuing injury to this
important sector of the American economy. Obama’s own budget proposal cuts $450
million a year from transit construction funding in Illinois alone.
HR 7 takes us “back to the dark
ages,” according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, eliminating all
funding for building bike paths, bike lanes and pedestrian safety projects.
With the current Highway appropriations expiring March 31, 2012, the industry
is undoubtedly looking at another series of short term extensions, making
government and industry planning impossible until a long term funding measure
is ultimately passed through both houses.
Meanwhile, even the comparatively
generous Obama budget slashes Defense Department construction spending by 20%,
Corps of Engineers civil construction projects by 13%, clean water state
revolving funds by 20%, drinking water state revolving funds by 8%, Veterans
Administration construction by 10%, and airport improvement grants by 28%.
While the heavy civil sector of the US construction economy will feel these
cuts most severely, resultant price increases in construction materials and
equipment, due to the loss in sales volume, will impact all construction businesses
across the country. Our national elected leadership continues to fail our
industry.
