Congressman Bill Owens has signed on as an original cosponsor of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization passed in the Senate recently.

Owens says this legislation would invest in New York’s critical transportation infrastructure and help provide a mechanism to create quality, local jobs in the short term and economic development in the long term. The bill passed the Senate with a bipartisan majority, 74-22.

The bill awaits action in the House of Representatives. The current bill expired at the end of March.

Owens recently discussed the need for a long-term transportation bill with county highway administrators, the Associated General Contractors of America, unions, and local businesses, including quarries and paving businesses. The legislation has gained strong support from industry stakeholders, according to Owens.

“This legislation represents bipartisan support for job growth in construction and manufacturing, and a long-term commitment to American transportation, allowing local and industry leaders to plan for the future,” said Owens. “I have heard consistently from constituents across the region expressing support for a long-term transportation bill that will provide certainty for major projects. This legislation will help move the ball forward on road, rail, bridge and other projects critical to helping the region recover from severe weather, make long needed repairs and create a more attractive for businesses to hire and invest in New York State.”

Transportation investments have lagged in recent years as partisanship in Washington has delayed a long-term bill, forcing Congress to instead rely on temporary extensions since the most recent highway bill expired in 2009.

Owens said that many local leaders have told him the political environment is discouraging when it comes to investing in long-term projects.