Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino has joined the national infrastructure coalition of Building America’s Future.

He joins prominent elected officials such as group co-chairs Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA) and Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I-NYC). The group is comprised of state and locally elected officials to help secure a renewed federal commitment to infrastructure, according to a statement.

"From our city’s ambitious green initiatives to our innovative Complete Streets policy, smart infrastructure investment can improve economic vitality and increase safety and quality of life," said Menino. "I believe a National Infrastructure Bank is exactly the kind of new thinking needed to overcome the obstacles of financing new infrastructure. I’ve joined Building America’s Future because I share their vision and commitment to repair, maintain, and modernize our nation’s infrastructure. I look forward to working with the members nationwide to make that vision a reality."

"We welcome Mayor Menino and look forward to working with him as we continue to ensure that infrastructure funding is treated like the national priority it should be," said Schwarzenegger. "No one wants their child in portable classrooms, or stuck in traffic rather than at home with their families. Infrastructure has a direct link to our quality of life, and Americans deserve it to be safe, efficient and modern."

"As mayors and governors, we see first-hand the success and failure of federal infrastructure investment," said Bloomberg. "History has taught us that failing to invest in our infrastructure is akin to walking away from our future. It is not just about investing more money; it’s about investing it in the right places in an efficient and accountable way."