WASHINGTON, D.C. -
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is hoping a new social-media campaign rolled out Wednesday will help lawmakers realize what general public wants to see in the new transportation bill.
Citizens are being asked to visit the AASHTO’s Facebook and YouTube pages and voice their transportation concerns and priorities. This is to help ensure that Congress has a better grasp on what people need as its crafts legislation governing federal highway and transit programs.
“What better time than now during the first month of the new Congress to tell members what Americans need and want when it comes to transportation,” noted AASHTO executive director John Horsley.
“We expect Congress to draft new legislation this year that will set transportation policy and funding levels for years to come. It is AASHTO’s goal to help Congress understand the priorities of the American people,” he added.
The campaign is slated to last six weeks. After its conclusion, AASHTO will share the comments and videos with federal officials before the most recent highway and transit legislation extension is set to end.
Individuals are invited to post YouTube videos and comments on AASHTO’s Facebook page.
The association said it has already gotten some response. Among the various issues brought up have been traffic backups, safety and high-speed rail, as well as the desire to invest more in transportation projects to foster job growth.
“We want to encourage everyone to join us,” Horsley stated.
“Our goal is to build support for greater investment in all transportation modes. When you consider that in just a few decades, 400 million people will be living in the U.S. and using our transportation systems, there’s no time to waste,” he added.
Comments can be viewed or posted at www.transportation.org/IToldCongress.