ARA calls for US economic stimulus package

Four of the largest construction and equipment associations in the US, including the American Rental Association (ARA), have called on the US government to launch a job creation and economic recovery package.

In a joint move, the ARA, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the North American Equipment Dealers Association are urging the US Senate and House of Representatives to increase federal infrastructure spending and to extend by two years the capital investment incentives passed in the Economic Stimulus Act earlier this year.

Christine Wehrman, ARA executive vice president and chief executive officer, said; "The time to act is now to prevent further deterioration within the construction equipment industry. This action is imperative to the future of an industry that affects so many jobs across America."

The move to lobby Washington DC came as the US Department of Commerce reported further sharp declines in key sectors in the third quarter of the year, with non-residential investment construction down 7.9% and investment in equipment and software down 5.5%.

ARA's membership includes more than 7500 equipment rental businesses and 1100 manufacturers and suppliers. The North American equipment rental industry revenue is valued at approximately US$42.3 billion.