“From the barges and ships that bring goods to our ports, to the trains and trucks that get those goods to our stores and factories, our freight transportation systems is essential.

 

Everyday consumer products like televisions and produce, and essential raw materials like lumber and iron are moved across America as freight.

 

My home state of New Jersey moves more than 600 million tons of freight each year. 

 

Freight movement contributes to more than 500,000 jobs for New Jerseyans, making up almost 11 percent of our state’s workforce.

 

But the strength of our freight transportation system is being threatened by our fragile and overwhelmed infrastructure, putting people’s jobs, our economy, and our ability to stay competitive in the world at risk.

 

It’s been nearly two years since the horrible bridge collapse in Minneapolis.  But still, 25 percent of our nation’s bridges are deficient. 

 

In New Jersey, the number is even higher, at 34 percent.

 

And congestion on our roads costs our country precious time—and money. 

 

Freight chokepoints can put huge delays and additional costs on the transportation of goods that are felt across the country. 

 

For example, some trains can take as long as two days to cross the city of Chicago.

 

To keep getting the goods we need in the future, we must invest in our freight infrastructure now.

 

Simply building roads will not solve all of our problems—and in some places that is no longer possible.

 

We need to focus our resources to move goods more efficiently and reduce congestion and emissions.  We can achieve these goals by making better use of trains and barges.

 

One freight train, for example, can take 280 trucks off the road, while one barge can take 1,800 trucks off the road.

 

Trains and barges are also more energy-efficient than trucks.  One gallon of fuel will transport one ton of cargo 70 miles by truck, 457 miles by rail and 575 miles by barge. 

 

Now let’s be clear: we are not saying trucks are not important.  We are saying that trains and barges need to become as important.

 

Unfortunately, federal investment has focused almost exclusively on highways while neglecting our railroads and seaports.

 

Chairman Rockefeller and I have introduced a bill that would take a long-term and large-scale approach to transportation planning. 

 

When it comes to freight, our bill would encourage reduced emissions, reduced congestion, and reduced transportation costs.

 

Two years ago, the New Jersey Department of Transportation published its first comprehensive statewide freight plan.  The federal government needs to follow suit.

 

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on how we can make that happen.”

 

# # #