Questions About Barack Obama's Agenda for the Economy and the Environment

President Obama wrote that our nation must at once remove the wreckage of the recession and build a foundation for growth ["Rebuilding Something Better," op-ed, July 12].

Why, then, has the administration proposed delaying by 18 months passage of a new six-year transportation bill, which would accomplish the president's goals by spurring economic growth and job creation?

The transportation bill provides funding guarantees that would prompt states and municipalities to begin new projects; purchase services, equipment and materials; and put to work many people who lost their jobs over the past year. At the same time, the bill would rebuild the critical infrastructure base that America needs to sustain the restored economy.

I urge Mr. Obama to seek rapid passage of the six-year bill because, of all the measures designed to restore our economy and build a foundation for growth, it stands the best chance of producing results.

DAVID A. RAYMOND

President and Chief Executive

American Council of Engineering Companies

Washington