In 2009, the bi-partisan congressionally-created Infrastructure Financing Commission recommended a 10-cents-per-gallon increase in the gas tax, as well as a long-term shift to a mileage-based usage fee. While the White House has responded coolly to the idea, the federal highway trust fund faces significant shortfalls as fuel economy continues to improve and more consumers adopt public transit, electric cars and alternative fuels.

Paul Yarossi, president HNTB Holdings Ltd, is available to discuss the commission’s recommendations and what it will take to support a safe, efficient and effective multimodal transportation system.

Yarossi previously provided testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, stating, “There is no silver bullet that will solve these financial problems. However, new and innovative ways to finance, design, build, operate and maintain transportation facilities must be part of the solution.”

Yarossi, who regularly posts to the National Journal transportation blog, also has said he remains “steadfast in my belief that categorically rejecting any possible funding source, without ample investigation, is not in the best interest of transportation.”

An HNTB survey found the issue of funding is on the minds of average citizens as well as policy makers and state departments of transportation. Respondents overwhelmingly believe our national infrastructure is crumbling and are willing to spend more of their tax dollars to fix it. They also recognize improving infrastructure creates jobs and improves quality of life.

Yet, Yarossi says, “While the general public is ready for sacrifice, misinformation, mistrust and a lack of vision could threaten long-term transportation funding unless leaders persuasively educate the public on the scale of the problem and the options America has to consider.”

Consider speaking to Yarossi, Jack Finn and HNTB’s other transportation experts as you explore America’s options.