How to fix our deteriorating roads.

The American Automobile Association has launched a campaign to call attention to the U.S.'s deteriorating highways and seek ways to help correct this rapidly growing problem. In a nationwide public opinion poll, 66% described the condition of roads in their state as poor to fair and 40% said their state's road and bridge maintenance was inadequate or nonexistent.

The current backlog of existing road and bridge needs on major routes is estimated at $315,000,000,000. The Federal Highway Administration says it will take an annual capital investment of $72,000,000,000 over the next five years or so to upgrade roads and bridges. "That amount is $37,000,000,000 more than is presently being spent annually on highway construction and maintenance by Federal, state, and local governments," AAA Pres. Robert L. Darbelnet points out. "The $35,000,000,000 that is currently being spent is woefully inadequate to meet current and future needs."

Included in the AAA's campaign are key...