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Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx continued the administration’s press for Congress to pass a transportation funding bill during a visit to Florida on May 19.

WASHINGTON — Leaders from nearly all segments of the freight-hauling industry and other transportation and business groups convening here for “Infrastructure Week” called for long-term federal aid they said would help states and businesses plan projects that improve the way goods move around the country — and the globe.

The recent death of former Rep. James Oberstar, paired with last month’s retirement announcement from Rep. Tom Petri, leaves us casting about for heroes in transportation who would work in the manner of the late Minnesota Democrat and the departing Wisconsin Republican.

For years, trucking has been pleading for government officials to take seriously the need for a well-funded, long-term surface transportation plan, not because it is convenient for the industry but because it is a demonstrated necessity for the nation’s long-term economic health.

Transportation leaders and infrastructure advocates will again call on Congress to implement long-term financing structures, such as raising the federal fuel tax, to rehabilitate roads and bridges around the country.

Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Capitol Hill on April 28 for just 43 days before their extended summer recess, giving them a short window to approve a long-term, comprehensive transportation funding bill.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Panel on Public-Private Partnerships has set an April 30 roundtable hearing to examine how states have applied “P3” set ups to fund infrastructure projects.