���ϳԹ���

WASHINGTON — Top executives with two of the nation’s largest trucking companies urged Congress to raise the federal fuel tax in order to fund infrastructure projects that benefit freight.

New Jersey transportation officials have proposed a budget that includes $2.6 billion for the state’s Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2014 as part of a plan that focuses on maintaining existing infrastructure and easing congestion.

President Obama’s 2014 budget contains a one-time boost of $27 billion for “critical highway infrastructure” and cross-border roads to augment the $41 billion Congress has already authorized for highways next year.

President Obama is expected to unveil a budget Wednesday that contains billions of dollars in new infrastructure funding as he steps up pressure on Congress to invest in the nation’s roads, bridges, ports and public transit.

President Obama promoted the benefits of infrastructure spending during a visit to the Port of Miami, pushing for more money in a plan he said would attract private money for roads, bridges and other transportation projects, the Associated Press reported.

The state of America’s infrastructure improved slightly to a “D+” grade from a “D” grade four years ago, while roads improved to “D” from “D-,” the American Society of Civil Engineers said.

Plans for the best way to provide much-needed rehabilitation to the Brent Spence Bridge spanning the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Covington, Ky., are likely to include tolls whether the bridge is rebuilt or lanes are added to the existing one.

Well, at least we’re getting lip service related to fixing the nation’s ailing and neglected infrastructure network. Now, if we can just get some concrete action.