Blumenauer: “Renewing and rebuilding America is the best way to get our workers back on the job and fuel our economic recovery.”

Washington, DC – President Barack Obama yesterday laid out a multi-year infrastructure investment plan. The $50 billion plan, which will be paid for by ending wasteful tax breaks for big oil companies, addresses many of the urgent priorities laid out by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, including rebuilding our nation’s roads, railways, and bridges.

Following is a statement from Rep. Earl Blumenauer

“I am very pleased to see the Obama administration moving forward with a plan to rebuild and renew America. Investing in infrastructure is the best way to get our workers back on the job and fuel our economic recovery. Dealing with our long list of urgent priorities, including rebuilding our crumbling roads and making America a leader in rail, is the only way to ensure that we remain competitive in the global economy.

“I have long championed these priorities as part of a push for sustainable development and livable communities across the country. From increasing funding for the ‘New Starts’ program that supports local public transit projects to ending billions of dollars in wasteful subsidies for big oil companies, it is high time that we rebalance our infrastructure spending to improve efficiency and economic competitiveness.

“I urge my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to work with the administration to address our critical infrastructure needs.”