The Interstate 35W bridge tragedy in Minnesota last week has so far brought pain and suffering. Perhaps it will also alert the Congress, the public and the administration that we need existing infrastructure funding. Many of our roads and bridges are in a state of disrepair. Road conditions are a factor in a third of the nation's 40 thousand annual road fatalities. "Fix It First" policies would prioritize deferred maintenance projects over new capacity. Doing so would also slow down sprawl and free up funds for public transportation.

The state PIRGs support such a "Fix It First" policy. We're urging our members (and you) to contact the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) and urge him to take action now to introduce a "Fix It First" policy.