Page 10 - ATR 4 2021 digital

NEWS IN BRIEF WE FIXED THIS.

“We have reached agreement on
the major issues. We still have legisla-
tive language to finalize,” said Sen.
Rob Portman, R-Ohio. He added that
Democrats accepted their latest offer to
resolve the issue of highway and tran-
sit funding, which was one of the last
major obstacles.
The deal includes $550 billion in
new spending on infrastructure proj-
ects. That’s down from the $579 billion
negotiators previously targeted. The
spending, which includes $110 billion
for roads, will amount to $1 trillion
when factoring in other expected fund-
ing for transportation projects.
The other two Republicans in
the negotiating group were Sen. Lisa
Murkowski of Alaska, and Sen. Mitt
I-40 BRIDGE REOPENS AFTER with trucking to ease traffic congestion Romney of Utah.
12-WEEK CLOSURE issues, and for their frequent and trans- The progress is a victory for the
The closure of the I-40 bridge parent communication throughout this President who campaigned on his ability
in Memphis from May 11 through entire process. This major disruption to reach across the aisle. When visiting
Aug. 6 has cost the trucking industry to the National Highway System only a Mack Trucks plant in Pennsylvania
an estimated $120 million. Prior to underscores the vital need for extensive hours before the Senate vote, Biden said
the closure, the I-40 bridge typically updates and expansions to our crum- he wanted to work with both parties
handled 40,000 vehicles a day, 12,500 bling infrastructure system.” because, “while there’s a lot we don’t
of them being commercial trucks. agree on, I believe that we should be Call us first for personal attention
When the bridge was closed, all traffic $1.2T INFRASTRUCTURE BILL able to work together on the few things
was deferred to the I-55 bridge, which MOVING FORWARD we do agree on.” and quicker turn-around service!
already carried more than 55,000 vehi- The on-again, off-again bipartisan
cles a day, 14,000 of them commercial infrastructure bill is moving forward 
trucks. after key GOP senators
“Trucking will never be able to announced that they reached
recoup that loss, but with so many a deal with Democrats and
other challenges facing our industry like the White House. On July
driver and equipment shortages, we are 28, the Senate voted 67-32, We Know What
happy to finally put this in the rearview with Republicans joining all Trucking Needs!
mirror,” said Shannon Newton, presi- Democrats, to begin legisla-
dent, Arkansas Trucking Association. tive action. Both Arkansas
“I want to commend ARDOT and senators, however, voted FREE ESTIMATES 501.354.8406
TDOT for their willingness to work against the bill. INSURANCE CLAIMS OWNERS
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10 Issue 4 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
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