CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall says robust investments in roadways, runways and railways can help the nation emerge stronger than ever from the Great Recession.

Rahall is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He spoke Monday at the West Virginians for Better Transportation Conference in Charleston. That coalition includes trade associations, chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, educators and others.

Rahall says infrastructure projects shouldn't be subjected to the political posturing that now dominates Washington, D.C.

The House transportation panel is developing a bill that Rahall hopes will address the growing backlog of transportation needs.

The most recent legislation expired in September 2009, and the program has continued to operate only through temporary extensions.

Rahall says America's infrastructure is crumbling and outdated, and that threatens its economic competitiveness.