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Political pressures in Congress and the states have led to policies that favor new highway expansion while neglecting existing infrastructure that is in serious need of repair. America needs stronger “fix-it-first” policies that prioritize repair and maintenance of our existing roads and bridges rather than spending on needless and wasteful new highway capacity |
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America’s highways and airports are increasingly congested. Our nation’s transportation system remains dependent on oil. And our existing transportation infrastructure is inadequate to the demands of the 21st century. |
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ARRA data shows that investing in public transportation creates more jobs |
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In the wake of the Minnesota I-35 bridge collapse there was enormous public outcry and recognition of the need to repair our crumbling infrastructure. Americans expected public officials to respond to the tragedy with a large scale effort to address the nearly 73,000 structurally deficient bridges in this country. The findings in this report suggest that did not happen. |
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Road privatization is a growing issue in
the United States as politicians and transportation officials grapple with budget shortfalls. Toll road privatization takes two forms: the lease of existing toll roads to private operators and the construction of new roads by private entities. |
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President-elect Obama has declared that the next recovery plan must do more than just pump money into the economy. It will also create the infrastructure that America needs for the 21st century. |
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In 2002, Governor Rick Perry announced his plans
for a 4,000-mile swathe of highway, rail, and utility lines referred to as the Trans Texas Corridor. As originally envisioned, the system would span ten vehicle lanes though the original plan has been curtailed in the face of opposition and fiscal constraints. Should Texas move forward with the Trans Texas Corridor project, the Legislature must insist on specific protections for the public to ensure the needs of people come before any other special interest or investment entity.
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America's dependence on oil has become increasingly painful. Two thirds of oil in the United States goes to transportation, with the largest share consumed by cars and trucks. As the rising price of gasoline makes driving more expensive, Americans have sought alternatives by driving a little less and riding public transportation more. |
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America's automobile-centered transportation system was a key component of the nation's economic prosperity during the 20th century. But our transportation system is increasingly out of step with the challenges of the 21st century. Rising fuel prices, growing traffic congestion, and the need to address critical challenges such as global warming and America's addiction to imported oil all point toward the need for a new transportation future. |
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Privatization of toll roads is a growing trend. During 2007, sixteen states had some privatized road project formally proposed or underway. |
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Plans for the state of Texas to sign concession deals for privately operated toll roads present a number of dangers for the public interest. Giving long-term control of our roads to a private operator and granting them future toll revenues is a huge commitment that should not be taken lightly. |
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