ARTBA President & CEO Pete Ruane's Statement Regarding the Caltrans Announcement Stopping New Transportation Improvement Projects:

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American Road & Transportation Builders Association

Aug 12, 2010, 09:30 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Political inertia from Sacramento, California, to Washington, D.C., is playing havoc with the nation's transportation improvement programs.

"The news that California is suspending payments to highway contractors over a budget deadlock and stopping project awards on nearly $3 billion in new work is a body blow to the U.S. transportation construction industry, which is already reeling in most states.

"This will have repercussions across the industry and the nation. It's just one more reason why the Congress needs to do its job and pass the multi-year highway and transit funding bill that is now almost a year overdue."

Established in 1902 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ARTBA represents the U.S. transportation design and construction industry before Congress, the Executive Branch, federal agencies, news media and general public.

SOURCE American Road & Transportation Builders Association