The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), has sent a letter to members of Congress urging them to support the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015.

“The NAM supports transportation policies that invest in infrastructure to ensure U.S. manufacturing competitiveness,” said the letter. “The need to update and modernize our nation’s transportation infrastructure extends far beyond state transportation departments and road builders.”

The letter urged Congress to make funding of roads, bridges and transit systems a national priority. “Many states do not have the resources or ability to keep up with the demands of aging infrastructure,” the letter said. “Manufacturers are witness to the erosion of the nation’s infrastructure base and our country has been stuck in a decade-long period of decline in overall infrastructure capital spending.”

The transportation measure would ensure continued investment in highways and transit systems by authorizing federal programs for six years and providing guaranteed funding for three years. “The legislation seeks to end a pattern of continued uncertainty and short-term extensions that discourage long-term investments in new bridges, roads and transit systems,” said NAM. “Important reforms are included that will streamline environmental reviews and enhance delivery of key infrastructure projects, and better prioritize surface transportation investments and freight projects of regional and national significance.”