Planning for the next reauthorization of highway programs has begun but will become a higher priority during 2007, American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves said on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Although the current highway authorization was approved only in August 2005, it was a couple of years overdue, and the current authorization ends in 2009.
Because the legislative process is so long and lobbying must begin early, the trucking industry needs to develop a strategy in the coming months. “Much of the work in 2007 will be working toward a strong agenda,” Graves said in a conference call with transportation journalists.
During the conference call, Graves and top ATA officials outlined some of the challenges and opportunities facing the trucking industry during the coming year. Graves said the association’s activities will be focused on five major issues:
Tim Lynch, senior vice president of federal relations and strategic planning, added that there are three specific developments ATA is watching carefully and is preparing to become engaged in:
