In light of discussions in Congress about a potential bill focused specifically on creating jobs, and President Obama convening a jobs summit this week in Washington, Transportation for America recently sent this letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi that outlined 3 principles that should guide any potential infrastructure and transportation spending. If we’re going to fund infrastructure investments to put people back to work, it’s imperative that we get the most out of our precious dollars — and stay on track for passing the long-term transportation bill we so desperately need to get America moving again.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the implications of the indefinite closure of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge sunk in Friday, Americans nationwide were reminded of the urgent need to pass a new transportation law that emphasizes the rehabilitation of America’s crumbling roads, bridges and transit systems.

Parade Magazine has a misleading poll up about transportation, asking their readers, “should America divert some funding from highways and bridges to invest in public transit?” There are a few faults with such a simple question, namely making it sound like there’s something written in stone determining that federal transportation money is “roads” money — instead of money that should be spent on whatever can best keep us moving and give us the most bang for our buck. Rather than asking Americans if we should “take” money from roads, what happens when you ask Americans the positive, “where should we spend our transportation money?”

Transportation for America commends Congressman Oberstar for his efforts to make transportation an important part of a recovery package to create jobs in the short term with his Rebuild America proposal. We agree that job creation need not be at odds with strong accountability requirements and a more balanced portfolio of modal investments in capital and operating grants.

With billions of dollars about to be spent on an economic recovery package, you’d think Congress would prioritize fixing dangerous bridges and repairing unsafe highways. But the powerful highway lobby is pressing hard for nearly all the money to be spent constructing new roads and bridges. This makes no sense. Tell Congress you support a smarter economic recovery package.