It is often said that one of America’s greatest strengths is finding the will to come together and take action when faced with a national crisis. We face such a time now. The challenge is all around us in our aging and underfunded highways, transit systems, bridges, airports and other transportation infrastructure.

For too long we’ve short-changed transportation as we worked to address the nation’s other needs and priorities. Our transportation system has not received the attention or funds it needs in our national discussion or agenda. Even considering recent stimulus spending and incremental infusions of funding, the situation is dire. We can’t ignore that fact or wish it away. our nation’s leaders need to fnd the right balance in grappling with the many issues facing us — notably the economy, health care, national security and education. They are important, but transportation must also be a national priority.

We need a bold vision, sustained action and a sense of urgency to begin closing the gap between the neglected transportation system we have and the one our nation needs to thrive and stay competitive. Closing that gap is essential to every American’s quality of life, economic prosperity, safety and security.

You don’t have to look far to see that our transportation system is stretched beyond the limits. Our investment hasn’t kept pace with our growth in population, now at more than 310 million, and the increased demands we place on everything from our roads to airports.

It’s also imperative that we realize how much infrastructure contributes to our nation’s economy, vitality and quality of life. Americans see a payback in their day-to-day lives for every dollar we invest in transportation. We see it in the roads and bridges that get us to our workplaces, schools and other destinations.

We see it when we travel at our nation’s airports. It’s in the rail systems that move millions of commuters and tons of freight each day. Ports are ever more vital to our prosperity and jobs in today’s global economy. Through them pass American-made exports and imported goods on which we depend.

We need a transportation system designed and built  for our economy, way of living and other needs — now and well into the future. It must integrate multiple modes of moving people and goods — air, public transit, high-speed rail and good roads. To get there, we have to face the reality that current levels and forms of transportation funding are inadequate.

We can’t afford for transportation to languish any longer. It must warrant regular media interest. Americans need to become greater advocates for improving our transportation system — just as they so ably do for schools and other aspects of their communities. We must all come together and fnd the will to rebuild this vital part of  our nation.

Make transportation a priority