Washington, DC - The head of the U.S. Travel Association applauded President Obama’s new initiative to focus on America’s roads, rail systems and airports, calling it “a positive and much-needed step toward rebuilding and expanding the national transportation system and strengthening our economy.”

Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said the national transportation system is “the gateway to job creation in America's hotels, restaurants, attractions and destinations from coast-to-coast. Antiquated and inefficient aspects of today's transportation infrastructure have contributed to a decline in travel and economic growth.”

“The President's initiative - focusing on our highways, high-speed rail and our air travel system - will begin the process of ensuring that more Americans and international visitors can move safely and efficiently from coast-to-coast,” said Dow.

“We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to improve the way we fund, prioritize, and design our national transportation system. With these goals and renewed focus we can begin to strengthen and improve our economy and build a solid foundation for future generations of travelers.”

This story was published on 23 Sep 2010.