One of the major issues yet to be fully addressed by Congress is a new federal transportation bill to replace the "Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act-A Legacy for Users.”

SAFETEA-LU expiried Sept. 30, 2009, and Congress and the Obama Administration are now relying on short-term extensions until new legislation can be debated and approved to carry these programs into the future.

This is a critical time for the future viability of America’s transportation system. Paul Yarossi, president HNTB Holdings Ltd and the 2011-2012 chairman of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association can provide unique insights. He serves in a number of high-level roles on behalf of the industry, which gives him a broad perspective of such powerfully relevant issues.

It is difficult to deny the five most important items in the new surface transportation bill will be funding, environmental considerations, sustainability, improved freight systems, safety and overall reorganization of the program.

But there is one more important item we need to change— the perception of the American public, politicians, the press and business. 

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