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https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

Metropolitan Transportation Infrastructure Survey

The United States Conference of Mayors commissioned this survey of mayors to determine metropolitan surface transportation infrastructure needs and where the Obama Administration and Congress should prioritize surface transportation investments in the reauthorization of the federal surface transportation law. Specifically, the survey sought information from mayors on: (1) the quality of transportation infrastructure; (2) challenges in using transportation as part of broader strategies to reduce congestion, improve livability, and increase economic competitiveness; (3) transportation projects being delayed or cancelled due to uncertainty with the federal funding programs; (4) support for increased federal spending on surface transportation infrastructure; (5) support for an increase in the federal gas tax for transportation infrastructure improvements; (6) support for reforms in federal transportation programs to allow cities and their metropolitan areas to receive federal funds directly; (7) technical capacity to manage federal funding directly; (8) local funding source for transportation improvements; (9) support for the national infrastructure bank and federal financing tools; (10) priorities for investing in public transit bus and rail; and (11) the role that transportation can play in economic recovery. Summary of key findings indicates that two-thirds of the American population lives in metropolitan areas. These areas are home to 86 percent of United States employment, 90 percent of wage income, and over the next 20 years, 94 percent of the nation’s economic growth. Investment in metropolitan areas, especially transportation infrastructure, yields strong benefits for the United States economy. In light of these benefits, it is not surprising that 96 percent of the mayors said that the federal government should increase spending on surface transportation infrastructure. When asked how important a role does affordable and reliable transportation play in promoting economic recovery in their city, 98 percent point to investment in affordable and reliable transportation as an important part of their city’s economic recovery from the recession and an important part of their city’s long-term growth. As a follow-up question, mayors were asked if uncertainty over the future of federal funding programs is leading to the delay and cancellation of transportation infrastructure projects. More than six in ten (64%) said projects in their city have been delayed or cancelled due to Congress’ failure to enact a long-term federal surface transportation reauthorization. The last multi-year federal surface transportation law expired in September 2009.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Web
  • Features: Photos; Tables;
  • Pagination: 8p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01349493
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 10 2011 10:42AM