Jackson on board for Calvert shipping bill
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., has signed on as co-sponsor to Inland Rep. Ken Calvert's proposal to pay for transportation projects along the nation's rails and highways with fees assessed on shipments eading in and out of U.S. ports.
Calvert, R-Corona, announced his plan a couple of weeks ago and said he was hoping Jackson would co-sponsor the bill. With bipartisan support, the legislation has a much better chance of moving forward.
The fees would generate an estimated $3 billion to $5 billion every year during the program's proposed 10-year life, including as much as $500 million a year for projects in Southern California, Calvert said.
The revenue would be used to pay for transportation projects along the nation's freight routes, including new truck-only lanes on traffic-choked freeways and overpasses at railroad crossings.
Calvert's still looking for a senator to introduce companion legislation. No word yet on who he's been talking to.
--BEN GOAD
bgoad@pe.com
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