October 17, 2011

Rahall, Transportation Advocates to Hold Press Conference Tuesday to Discuss Dangerous Bridges

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will be joined by transportation organizations and advocates at a press conference under the Route 16 “Mabscott Overhead Bridge” in Beckley to discuss the importance of Congress passing a robust multi-year surface transportation bill.

“The collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967 was a tragic example of our Nation’s decaying transportation systems, but should serve as a reminder that we must all work together to create jobs and rebuild America,” said Rahall.  “We can create jobs in West Virginia today rebuilding our roads and bridges while growing our economy over the long-term if Congress passes a strong multi-year surface transportation bill that adequately invests in America’s future.”

There are over 2,500 deficient bridges in West Virginia and nearly 150,000 deficient bridges in America that are crippling our Nation’s economic competitiveness.

Who:
Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Top Democrat on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Kenny Purdue, President, West Virginia AFL-CIO
David A. Efaw, Secretary Treasurer, WV State Building & Construction Trades Council
Clyde McKnight, President, South Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Gary Zuckett, Exec. Director, WV Citizen Action, Transportation 4 America affiliate

What:
Press conference on need for federal surface transportation bill

When:
Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at 2.30 p.m.

Where:
From Charleston or Bluefield, exit I-64 at Robert C. Byrd Drive, head N on Route 16 toward Beckley, take first exit at Mabscott, drive straight, press conference location in front of Raleigh Hardware on Depot Street 

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