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    Building America’s Future Co-Chairs Ray LaHood and Ed Rendell Highlight Need for Infrastructure Investment on 60 Minutes

    Nov. 26, 2014
    In the segment, “Falling Apart,” hosted by Steve Kroft, LaHood said there is a lack of political courage in Washington to fix America’s transportation and infrastructure. And Gov. Rendell showed the real impact of this courage gap.
    Related To: Building America’s Future

    On Nov. 23, two of Building America’s Future (BAF) co-chairs, former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, were featured   on CBS’ 60 Minutes discussing the dire need for investment in America’s roads, bridges, highways, airports and seaports. In the segment, “Falling Apart,” hosted by Steve Kroft, LaHood said there is a lack of political courage in Washington to fix America’s transportation and infrastructure. And Gov. Rendell showed the real impact of this courage gap: taking Steve Kroft for a walk under an I-95 overpass in Philadelphia to show the bridge quite literally crumbling under heavy traffic.

    This segment comes the week of Thanksgiving, which is one of the busiest travel weeks all year for Americans. In fact, according to AAA, 46.3 million Americans will take a trip longer than 50 miles this week, putting increasing pressure on America’s already below-grade roads and bridges.

    As millions of Americans prepare for travel headaches this week, it is important to note that under-investment in our roads and bridges can often cause or worsen these delays. Now, however, Americans can do something about these delays, and relay their feeling of frustration directly to their member of Congress.

    This holiday season, when faced with a delay on a highway, runway or on the rails, make sure to use BAF’s innovative mobile app, I’m Stuck, to send a message to Congress that fixing our infrastructure is a priority.

    “On 60 Minutes, Secretary LaHood and Governor Rendell highlighted the real need for investment in our roads and bridges that exists across the United States,” said Marcia Hale, president of Building America’s Future. “Now, we must convince Congress to act to rectify this situation – and it can start with you getting your member of Congress’ attention with just a tap of your finger, using I’m Stuck.”

    BAF reminds drivers not to use the app while operating a motor vehicle. After affirming that they are a passenger, users will select how they are stuck (in traffic, on a tarmac, on a train, waiting for a bus or subway) from a menu of options. They can then send a pre-generated message provided by BAF or tailor their own note to their senators or member of Congress. Users are also encouraged to take photos of where they are stuck and share them on social media.