ARTBA CEO Bauer issues statement on 65th anniversary of interstate highway system

The following statement is by American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President and CEO Dave Bauer:

“On June 29, 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower and other national leaders realized a vision for America.

“The president signed the law creating the Interstate Highway System.  Its positive impacts on national and state economies, our quality of life and personal mobility have greatly surpassed expectations.

“Today, the Interstates are at the age where many Americans choose to retire.  It is no surprise that the overburdened 48,000-mile network needs a renewed federal commitment to remain healthy and viable for the future.

“House and Senate leaders are simultaneously working on a historic infrastructure package and a multi-year highway and public transit reauthorization bill.  

“We urge Congress and the Biden administration to keep working this summer until they complete action on a final measure.

“The desired outcome is a long-term investment plan to ensure Eisenhower’s grand vision of a national transportation network anchored by the Interstates remains the backbone of a competitive U.S. economy and a major achievement of American democracy.”

ARTBA, based in Washington, D.C., was organized in 1902 by a visionary Michigan public official, Horatio S. Earle, for the purpose of advocating federal legislation to create a “Capital Connecting Government Highway System.”  That vision was realized when President Dwight Eisenhower signed the 1956 Interstate law. ARTBA’s members designed, built and continue to help manage the road network.