'Transportation Capacity Crisis' Seen in New National Poll

3/12/2003

From: Matt Jeanneret of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, 202-289-4434, or email: mjeanneret@artba.org Web site: http://www.artba.org/

WASHINGTON, March 12 -- Nearly 70 percent of American voters believe the nation has a transportation capacity crisis with overcrowded roads, airports and public transit systems struggling to handle a growing population and economy, according to a new national survey conducted by New York-based Zogby International.

The survey found 64 percent would support a small annual increase in the federal motor fuels user fee excise if the money is used exclusively to improve roads, bridges and public transit.

The survey, commissioned by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), was conducted Feb. 6-7. It polled a random sample of 1,002 likely voters nationwide. The margin of error on the results is plus-or-minus 3.2 percent.

"Highways and public transit are consistently important to Americans," Zogby International President & CEO John Zogby said in commentary accompanying the survey results. "Highway safety and efficient public transit are also high priorities. Over-crowded roads are not only a concern for commuters, but also for Americans nervous about another terrorist attack."

"Our polling on many issues over the years has revealed that voters will support a tax hike if the issue is important to them and they are convinced that the money will be spent wisely," Zogby said.

"Given the increase in gas prices over the past six months, the steady level of support among voters for a gasoline tax (increase) indicates a depth of support that is firm and not likely to be easily shaken. The voters are also saying that their trust in the current administration is high enough to trust it to spend the money wisely."

Other key survey findings:

-- More than 80 percent think the nation's highways and public transit network is extremely important or very important to the U.S. economy.

-- Nearly eight in ten also agree that an investment in highways, bridges and public transit should be considered an important element in homeland security and national defense.

-- Nearly 90 percent feel it is important that their representatives in Congress fight to ensure sufficient federal funding for transportation improvement projects in their local areas.

-- Two-thirds of Americans say roads and public transit systems play a highly important role in their every day lives.

Established in 1984, Zogby International is an independent and non-partisan polling, market research and information services company, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Information about the firm can be accessed online at http://www.zogby.com.

The Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC), which includes 28 national associations and construction unions committed to increased federal transportation investment, distributed the Zogby survey results to the House and Senate Budget Committees. The results have also been shared with the key Senate and House transportation leaders and committees.

TCC members include the: American Road & Transportation Builders Association (co-chair); Associated General Contractors of America (co-chair); American Coal Ash Association; American Concrete Pavement Association; American Concrete Pipe Association; American Council of Engineering Companies; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Subcontractors Association; American Traffic Safety Services Association; Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association; Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association; Associated Equipment Distributors; Association of Equipment Manufacturers; International Slurry Surfacing Association; International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers; International Union of Operating Engineers; Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust; Laborers' International Union of North America; National Asphalt Pavement Association; National Association of Surety Bond Producers; National Lime Association; National Ready Mixed Concrete Association; National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association; National Utility Contractors Association; Portland Cement Association; Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute; The Road Information Program; United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

Editor's Note: Complete survey results and cross-tabs can be found on ARTBA's website at http://www.artba.org.