Skip to main content

ARTBA comments on impact of US shutdown for transportation

American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) president and CEO Pete Ruane has highlighted issues for transport caused by the impact of the US Government shutdown. “Improving the efficiency of the environmental review and approval process was one of the signature achievements of the 2012 surface transportation law—MAP-21. Achieving this goal was a clear priority for members of Congress from both parties and chambers. “Major highway and bridge projects can take between nine and 19 years to
October 11, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) president and CEO Pete Ruane has highlighted issues for transport caused by the impact of the 908 US Government shutdown. “Improving the efficiency of the environmental review and approval process was one of the signature achievements of the 2012 surface transportation law—MAP-21.  Achieving this goal was a clear priority for members of Congress from both parties and chambers.

“Major highway and bridge projects can take between nine and 19 years to complete—largely due to inefficiencies in the review process that delay needed mobility and safety improvements.

“To put this in context, the 2410 Federal Highway Administration states that as of August 22 there are 129 projects from 35 states currently undergoing the Environmental Impact Statement process.  

“Due to furloughs in the environmental and resource agencies, however, the approval process for transportation projects is encountering more obstacles. This outcome is the exact opposite of the goals of MAP-21’s streamlining provisions.

“There are two things the construction industry needs to deliver the transportation network that moves our economy—adequate and reliable funding and approved projects.

“The fact remains that if environmental regulators can't do their job, we can’t do ours.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • ARTBA honours innovators in hall of fame
    October 7, 2015
    The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has honoured key engineering innovators into its Hall of Fame. These include the pioneer of urban interchange design, the Pennsylvania pioneer of the welded bridge concept, a former congressional transportation investment champion and a top US transportation engineering researcher and educator. Launched in 2010, the Transportation Development Hall of Fame honours individuals or families from the public and private sectors who have made extra
  • A global perspective on sustainable transportation systems
    August 21, 2013
    With nearly 400 participants from 21 countries and tribal nations, the recent 2013 International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET) held in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, was a resounding success – writes Leonard Sielecki The five-day conference ran from June 23rd-27th 2013, and attracted transportation planners, engineers, environmentalists, and academics from national and state agencies, universities, and non-government organisations. It was organised and co-sponsored by the Center for Trans
  • High quality videos for ARTBA student competition
    October 14, 2013
    The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has seen a strong response for its student video competition, highlighting US infrastructure. The third time this competition has been run, it attracted 40 entrants across a number of categories. First Place in Category II for post-secondary, college or graduate students was awarded to the film; Importance of Infrastructure.
  • New Roadmap Shows Industry and Agencies How to Decarbonize Asphalt Pavements
    August 14, 2024

    In a detailed follow-up to its 2022 GHG Emissions Inventory for Asphalt Mix Production in the United States (SIP 106), the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) is providing a comprehensive roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with asphalt pavements.