To really kick-start the economy and job creation, the federal government needs to give a big boost to infrastructure funding over the long-term. Charles Whittington, former Chairman of the American Trucking Associations, made this request of President Obama last December during the Jobs and Economic Growth Forum held by the White House.

The economic downturn has left its mark on the trucking industry, the ATA‘s website says, and even though load volume is increasing at a modest rate, “recovery remains fragile.”

“Infrastructure spending makes U.S. businesses more competitive. Every dollar invested in the nation’s highway system yields $5.40 in economic benefits as a result of reduced delays, improved safety and lower vehicle operating costs,” said Whittington. “In fact, if highway bottlenecks were eliminated the trucking industry could save $19 billion every year. That's more money we can invest in putting people to work and buying new equipment.”

Can we just say “Yea!” to the idea of no more bottlenecks!?

Do you believe that the federal government should spend more to improve the nation’s highways, or should it focus funding on other places to spur job growth and economic recovery?