WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiated a study Tuesday to look at short- and long-term funding options for transportation infrastructure improvements.
"Current transportation funding is not enough to maintain our current system, much less make improvements," said Thomas Donohue, the organization's president and chief executive. "The consequences of an inadequate transportation system are long-lasting and severe -- congestion, decreased productivity and more accidents."
The study will look at current transportation needs, estimate revenue streams from existing funding mechanisms, and analyze and recommend possible funding options. The first phase of the study, dealing with short-term funding, is expected to be released in April.
The study will include a steering committee of leaders from a number of industries, including railroad, equipment manufacturers, resource materials providers, transportation builders, and others. The Chamber said it also plans to host two policy summits to discuss the study's recommendations.
