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November 11, 1999 10:00 AM, EST

WASHINGTON — Despite the prospect of record funding for highway construction flowing from the 1998 appropriation bill, contractors are facing a bumpy road ahead as they deal with increasing pressure from groups anxious to restrict highway projects.

Almost $28 billion is earmarked for highway and related construction projects for fiscal 2000 under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. It will also have a side bonus of creating at least 20,000 new jobs, T. Peter Ruane, president of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, told reporters and others during a recent luncheon of the Transportation Table at the National Press Club.

His organization represents contractors, engineers and others involved in building roads.

But in the midst of plenty, Ruane and his organization must counter growing public frustration about traffic delays caused by construction, growing public opposition to highway projects and growing public concerns about safety issues.

For the full story, see the Nov. 8 print edition of Transport Topics. .