2008 Workshop on Responding to National Transportation Initiatives

Teresa Adams, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1415 Engineering Drive, 2205 EH
Madison, WI    53706
(608) 263-3175
adams@engr.wisc.edu

Recognizing current and future funding challenges SAFETEA-LU authorized formation of two primary commissions to review transportation policy and revenues.  The National Commission on Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue (more info: www.transportationfortomorrow.org) and National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Finance Commission were formed to explore these issues.  By 2008, the commissions will have issued detailed findings, reports, and proposed initiatives for the 2009 reauthorization.

In a similar vein, AASHTO recently sponsored a transportation vision summit that attracted key transportation leaders.  10 elements were identified to prepare such a vision: Increased funding, modernization, transition from fuel taxes, new funding, public transportation investment, transportation capacity investments, tougher laws to save lives, freight transportation investment to close the gap between economic growth and currently available traditional funding sources, preservation, and safety improvements.

ARTBA released its Critical Commerce Corridors Proposal and has asked the MVFC to endorse it.  The MVC Board of Directors will begin a dialogue on these issues during their July meeting. Such dialogue may lead to specific recommendations or activities.  Further refinement is likely at the September MVC BOD meeting.