Here's a template op-ed on the Transportation for America coalition's
concerns about the shaping of the stimulus bill. This is a VERY
critical moment in the debate. We think Congress should:
Conduct the discussions about what gets funded in the open: All states
should make public what they are proposing. They should get no blank
checks, but should be accountable toward national priorities. Those
national priorities should include longterm benefits to the economy,
safety, reduced oil dependence and carbon emissions. We should fix
what we have before we build new highways.
...
This is possible if the economic stimulus package the President-elect
is expected to sign on day one includes a $100 billion investment to:
? Repair and preserve highways, bridges and existing public
transportation service, and support the green jobs associated with
this work;
? Build modern rail and rapid bus lines and upgrade all forms of
service in cities large and small;
? Develop high-speed and other forms of inter-city rail; and
? Make streets safe for walking and biking.
...
While repairing existing roads and bridges is a necessary expenditure,
given that the national highway system has been built, federal
resources and attention must go toward supporting the cleanest forms
of transportation ? public transit, high speed rail, walking and
biking. The Transportation for America Campaign has identified more
than 65 such ready-to-go projects within the next year, requiring over
$17B in funding to get going.
...
Continue Reading
Rating: 0.00/5 (0 votes cast)