SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

摘要

Industry and the public sector, working in tandem, have made great progress in improving the safety and performance of the national highway system. However, an estimated 13,000 people still die each year on American highways because of roadway conditions. In addition to the significant issue of improving safety, there are compelling economic arguments that support increasing investment in our surface transportation infrastructure. A U.S. Department of Transportation study found that for each $ 1 billion of federal spending on highway construction nationwide, 47,500 jobs are generated annually.The same study also stated that every dollar invested in the nation's highway system yielded $5.70 in economic benefits because of reduced delays, improved safety and reduced vehicle operating costs. Also worth noting is that 84% of the $7 trillion worth of commodities delivered annually from sites in the U.S. are transported on the nation's highways.