CanadaNews’ Reporter Notes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNORS TO ADDRESS SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AT WINTER MEETING

WASHINGTON–During the upcoming 2008 National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting, which kicks off in Washington, D.C. later this week, the nation’s governors will discuss the future of national surface transportation policy and finance.

To help develop a long-term vision for this policy at the federal level, Congress created the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission to examine current conditions and future needs of the transportation system. After nearly two years of work, the Commission released its comprehensive report in January 2008.

Governors will examine the commission’s recommendations and proposed solutions during the NGA Economic Development and Commerce committee meeting on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at the J.W. Marriott hotel.

“The strength of our economy and our quality of life depend on a safe, efficient and reliable surface transportation network,” said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, chair of the committee. “As we discuss securing a clean energy future, it is critical that out transportation investments improve mobility, save energy, reduce harmful emissions and stimulate green job growth. This will require a stronger, more innovative state-federal partnership to advance our respective 21st century economic growth strategies, and I look forward to moving forward on all of these issues.”

“As governors, we recognize that a viable transportation system is critical for all states, both rural and urban,” said South Dakota Gov. M. Michael Rounds, the committee’s vice chair. “This meeting is an opportunity for us to examine how transportation infrastructure advances economic growth and competitiveness. This is also an opportunity to discuss the role of governors and the states in developing a national surface transportation policy.”

Governors will hear from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters and will then engage a panel of experts in a conversation about a new vision for the national surface transportation system. Panelists will include National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission members Jack Schenendorf, vice chair and Of Counsel at Covington and Burling, LLP; Tom Skancke, CEO of The Skancke Company; Dr. Rick Geddes, associate professor at Cornell University; and Frank McArdle, senior advisor, General Contractors Association of New York.

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This is a press release supplied by the National Governors Association .