WASHINGTON, DC, December 18, 2008 - A coalition of top transportation officials and technology leaders called on Congress today to make an "intelligent" infrastructure investment as part of economic stimulus legislation by funding intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and technologies that will provide lasting improvements to the nation's economic productivity, transportation infrastructure, and environment while also creating jobs and providing an immediate economic boost.

"As Congress and the incoming Administration prepare to invest billions of dollars in the nation's infrastructure, it is vital that this stimulus plan also puts our nation on the road to long-term economic recovery and competitiveness," said Scott F. Belcher, president and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) which is leading the coalition. "ITS applications like intelligent intersections with synchronized traffic lights, weigh-in-motion truck inspections, electronic tolling, collision avoidance systems, smart transit vehicles, and real-time information about traffic conditions and travel options will make transportation safer, more efficient, and will lead to greater productivity and a cleaner environment."

The letter to Congressional leaders, signed by senior transportation officials from California, New York, Michigan, and Oregon; prominent industry groups including AAA, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and American Highway Users Alliance; and companies from the automotive, technology, engineering, and related industries, calls for "a strong economic package that makes a continuing commitment to 'intelligent' infrastructure investment," which "will not only put us closer to fixing our economy, but will enhance the quality of life for our citizens, the productivity of our workers, and the health of our environment." A copy of the letter is available at www.itsa.org/washingtonreps.html.

According to California Department of Transportation Chief Deputy Director and ITS America Board Chair Randell H. Iwasaki, "Investing in ITS technologies will help reduce traffic congestion, prevent accidents before they happen, provide more effective incident and emergency response, and reduce energy use and emissions. It is critical that we optimize this investment in our nation's infrastructure by providing resources to deploy technologies that will save lives, time, money, and preserve the environment in addition to creating jobs and economic growth."