News Releases

Former Kansas governor Bill Graves stresses need for improved infrastructure

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Former governor Bill Graves, now the President and CEO of American Trucking Associations, highlighted the need for improvement of America's infrastructure during the Anderson Chandler Lecture Series sponsored by the School of Business on Feb. 26.

"All the things we take for granted that support the quality of life we enjoy, the things our parents and grandparents helped pay for and build, are crumbling under our watch," Graves said. He said in the most recent survey by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 2009 infrastructure scorecard was full of "Cs" and "Ds."

"The trucking industry is a very clear reflection of what's going on in the economy, and the economy is in the tank, so therefore the trucking industry is in the tank," Graves said in a press conference held at the Lied Center prior to his speech.

Graves acknowledged that President Barack Obama has a lot of areas that need attention, but stressed the importance of putting money toward improving infrastructure.

"The way forward is clear," Graves said. "We need an ÔEisenhower'-like commitment to renewed investment in our nation's infrastructure. Absent that, America will continue to struggle in the ever increasingly competitive global economy."

Graves also talked about the importance of safety on the road, including slowing down, seat belt laws and alcohol and drug screening for truck drivers. He said his companies were strong supporters of creating a national speed limit of 65 miles per hour and funding for traffic enforcement.

Graves was the 13th speaker in the Chandler Lecture Series, made possible by Anderson Chandler, School of Business alumnus.