The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) commended the National Surface Transportation Policy and Review Study Commission for its report on the nation’s infrastructure needs. AEM also urged Congress to carefully study the commission’s recommendations as deliberations begin for transportation funding reauthorization.

The commission’s report to Congress, “Transportation for Tomorrow,” is intended to provide a comprehensive blueprint of how America’s infrastructure needs can best be met for the future.

The commission was created by Congress under the SAFETEA-LU transportation legislation passed in 2005.

“We applaud the hard work of all commission members. This was an enormous task and they have provided a thorough overview and thought-provoking recommendations,” said the 2008 chairman of the AEM, Glen E. Tellock, president and chief executive officer, The Manitowoc Company Inc.

The commission estimated that an annual investment of $225 billion minimum is needed over the next 50 years for adequate repair of America’s highway, transit and passenger rail systems.

“A vital infrastructure is an integral part of our daily lives at work and leisure,” Tellock said. “It is clear that we have enormous infrastructure repair and maintenance needs, and we encourage Congress and the administration to consider all options recommended by the commission during reauthorization of the ’highway bill’ in 2009.”

For more information, call 866/AEM-0442 or visit www.aem.org.