WASHINGTON – The transportation system in the United States received a big boost in late June when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the founding of the Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) coalition. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is a founding member of this Chamber-led coalition.

The ATM coalition will promote public investment in the nation’s transportation infrastructure. AGC will work to support ATM’s mission of educating the public and elected officials about the value of transportation infrastructure to the nation’s economy and quality of life.

"AGC commends the Chamber for recognizing that our nation’s economic prosperity and quality of life require substantial federal investments in our nation’s transportation infrastructure," said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC chief executive officer. "We all agree this is a top national priority. Our transportation network is the finest in the world, and yet it is underfunded, overused, and in many cases past the point of life expectancy. These inadequacies are costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars every year."

ATM will also work to streamline the transportation project approval process and conduct a national grassroots, media and education effort to provide Americans with a safer and more efficient transportation network.

"AGC members will lead the effort to build and rehabilitate our transportation infrastructure," said Sanherr. "However, without the commitment and investment needed by the federal government, our transportation system will remain stagnant and eventually fail. AGC will support the new coalition to ensure that America’s transportation network will serve the needs of the nation today and tomorrow."