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WASHINGTON — American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves said the next long-term transportation funding bill may not pass until after the 2012 elections.

For years, we all have watched the travails of the Highway Trust Fund, as the nation’s infrastructure has crumbled and the nation’s roadway and bridge needs have grown along with the population.

The number of people killed in large-truck crashes dropped 20% in 2009 to the lowest level on record, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves said he does not believe there will be any congressional action on a new long-term highway bill until at least 2011 — and possibly not until after the next presidential election.

WASHINGTON — The chances of Congress approving a long-term highway bill this year are slim, key congressional staff members said, and several added that if a bill isn’t passed early in 2011, then it may be dead until after the next presidential election.

The Department of Transportation said $48.8 billion is now available to state transportation departments for federal projects through the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act.

WASHINGTON — Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, proposed borrowing $130 billion from the Treasury Department to finance a new highway bill, which could be repaid through an increase in the federal fuel tax increase.