This will be a big year for roads, bridges and transit systems, says 8th District Rep. Jim Oberstar.

He should know: He’s chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. And he’s got backing from the Obama stimulus plan that will put some dollars to work.

Oberstar says he plans to introduce and pass “the largest transportation investment package since the creation of the Interstate Highway system in the 1950s.”

Funding for transportation is part of the message from voters, he said.

 “The American people sent us a clear message that they want to see their leaders take bold action to get our economy back on track and invest in our nation’s future; a robust investment in transportation infrastructure accomplishes both of those goals.”

The entire text of his message is here.