AAA responds to February 26 release
of National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission report

Statement by AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet

February 26, 2009
Washington, D.C.

“AAA commends the members of the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission for their hard work in getting a report completed and released in time to contribute to the transportation reauthorization debate. Identifying viable funding solutions to support the nation’s transportation infrastructure must be a priority in order to make America stronger by enhancing our global competiveness and ensuring safe, reliable mobility for all Americans.

“Given the transportation challenges ahead, it’s imperative that Congress re-think how the federal transportation program is structured and funded. Significant program reforms must precede any request for additional funds from transportation system users.

“Both the Policy and Financing Commissions concluded that a gas tax increase will be necessary in the near term. If Congress and the Administration can significantly reform the federal program and make it more accountable to the motoring public, AAA would consider supporting an increase in the federal gasoline tax to help fund that new program.

“AAA is looking at all short-term and long-term funding options with an open mind. Whether it’s a vehicle miles traveled tax, tolls or other “innovative” financing tools, they all must be carefully evaluated as to their ability to be efficiently implemented, accepted by the public, allocated fairly, fully dedicated to transportation needs, and be resistant to fraud and evasion. Additional testing and study of the VMT system is warranted to determine if technical challenges and privacy concerns can be addressed. While additional testing of the VMT concept is conducted, policymakers will need to be upfront with Americans about the various transportation funding options – what they’ll be asked to pay, and what they can expect in return.”

To read the full National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission report titled “Paving Our Way: A New Framework for Transportation Finance” click here.