Builders, Unions Set to Rally, Lobby for New Highway Bill in Washington

More than 400 contractors, materials suppliers and engineers are expected to rally in Washington Wednesday and to lobby Congress for a new highway bill to replace the one that originally expired in September 2009.

In addition, contractors will join labor and other groups at the “Rally for Roads/Roads = American Jobs” in Washington.

Congress has passed a series of measures to provide temporary funding for the infrastructure and transportation system, but the latest appropriation expires in September.

Justin Harclerode, spokesman for Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said Mica hopes to “mark up a bill in committee sometime in June.”

While American Trucking Associations is not among the rally sponsors, it notified state affiliates about the event in case they want to attend, said ATA Director of Highway Operations Darrin Roth.