Contact: Scott Frank
202-626-7467
sfrank@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – June 25, 2009 – “The transportation bill approved by a House subcommittee could not come at a better time. It recognizes what the AIA reported to Congress in its 2008 study, Moving Communities Forward, that well planned and designed transportation projects create more prosperous, sustainable and livable communities. This legislation will create thousands of jobs across the design and construction sector, help reduce the congestion that is choking our communities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Paul T. Mendelsohn, AIA vice president, Government & Community Relations.

He continued, “Architects have long known that when you integrate good planning and design into transportation projects and community development, you strengthen both, creating great places that are greener and more vibrant. This bill would make these aspirations a reality. That’s why Congress needs to act now to pass a transportation reform bill; our communities and our economy can’t afford to be stuck in a legislative traffic jam for much longer. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to make sure that this bill seizes this opportunity to rebuild and renew our communities and transportation network.”

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.