Gov. Jack Markell announced his support for President Obama’s push to strengthen America’s infrastructure spending Thursday.
Markell, who greeted the President when he landed in New Castle, says the condition of infrastructure statewide and across the country is “unacceptable” can’t continue to support the country’s economy.
The governor noted that the US can’t remain competitive internationally if it doesn’t bolster transportation spending.
“We really are in a global war for jobs and we can win that war by investing in our people and investing in our infrastructure. Other nations are making these investments and we can’t afford to put them off.”
Markell also criticized legislation working ts way through Congress to temporarily fund the Federal Highway Trust Fund for another 9-10 months, saying to "call it a band-aid is an insult to band-aids." The President repeat that one-liner in his remarks, suggesting he might steal it from Markell.
Earlier this year, the Markell Administration failed to sell a five-year, $500 million infrastructure package that would’ve raised Delaware’s gas tax by ten cents.
Obama visited the Port of Wilmington to unveil a new government center to connect state and local governments, as well as developers and investors with ways to invest in transportation spending.
