WASHINGTON - The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Executive Director Bud Wright commented on President Barack Obama's reference to infrastructure investment in his State of the Union address.

"AASHTO salutes President Obama for again calling for greater investment in America's infrastructure. Now we need to work together to tackle the most pressing issue facing our transportation system - how are we going to pay for it," said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director.

"We look forward to working closely with the Administration and members of Congress on legislation that will shore up the Highway Trust Fund with a long-term, sustainable source of funding to pay for the nation's highway and transit programs. Funding transportation creates jobs, promotes continued economic growth, and gives state transportation agencies the resources necessary to maintain and modernize the transportation systems future generations will depend on."