Letter to Harry Reid, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate and John Boehner, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives - Sustain Highway Trust Fund

Letter

The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
U.S. Senate
S-221 U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable John Boehner
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
H-232 U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510


Dear Leader Reid and Speaker Boehner:

As the August District Work Period rapidly approaches, we write to you of our grave concerns with the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.

As you are aware, the Federal Highway Administration has projected a nearly $1 billion shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund by the close of the current fiscal year on September 30, 2014. On July 1st, Secretary Foxx announced procedures for limiting highway funds to states, slated to begin in August. This disruption of funding to states will hamper planning, construction and repair of our transportation system.

In states like Colorado with a limited construction season, disruption to construction and maintenance schedules are particularly concerning as delays can quickly push completion of a project into the next season, increasing the overall cost of a project. And while projects languish, the men and women who work to turn plans into reality may be furloughed or let go, at the peak of the usual construction season.

This issue comes down to jobs and infrastructure and where they fall on our priority list as legislators. Governors, Mayors, County Commissioners and trade associations spanning the political spectrum have implored Congress to address this looming threat. The consequences to our constituents should we fail to shore up the Trust Fund are entirely foreseeable and avoidable. Less than a year since a government shutdown, we cannot send the message that political dogmas trump common sense.

We, as members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation, are pulling together to underscore the devastating impact of insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund. We urge you to act to address the imminent shortfall prior to the August District Work Period.

Sincerely,

Mark Udall
United States Senator

Michael F. Bennet
United States Senator

Diana DeGette
Member of Congress

Ed Perlmutter
Member of Congress

Jared Polis
Member of Congress