T4 America applauds President Obama’s initiative for 21st Century infrastructure
September 6, 2010By Stephen Lee Davis
President Obama was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Labor Day talking up the White House’s brand new plan to create some American labor and jobs through $50 billion in new transportation and infrastructure investment.
Included in the proposal is an infrastructure bank, a plan to rebuild 150,000 miles of roads, construct and maintain 4,000 miles of rail, and rehabilitate or reconstruct 150 miles of runway and install a new air traffic control system.
But perhaps most notably, the White House hits many of the same notes that T4 America has been sounding for the last two years in the official White House release, focusing especially on the need for a long-term transportation bill, with some serious reforms:
The President proposes to pair this with a long-term framework to reform and expand our nation’s investment in transportation infrastructure. Since the end of last year, when the last long-term surface transportation legislation expired, these investments have been continued on a temporary basis, even as the trust fund to finance them has fallen into insolvency. If we are to enjoy the benefits that come from a world-class transportation system, Congress must enact a long-term reauthorization that expands and reforms our infrastructure investments and returns the transportation trust fund to solvency. To jumpstart job creation, this long-run policy front-loads – through a $50 billion up-front investment – a significant share of the new infrastructure resources. As with other long-run policies, the Administration is committed to working with Congress to fully pay for the plan.
“The President’s initiative, as we understand it based on the broad outlines issued today, will give much-needed help to the economy while kick-starting the long-delayed transformation of the nation’s outdated surface transportation program,” said T4 America Director James Corless in an official statement.
“While the ‘front-loading’ of a new transportation authorization will put many thousands of Americans to work over the next couple of years, this should not be seen as a mere short-term stimulus. This kind of aggressive, multi-year construction and rehabilitation effort is fundamental to the long-term health of our economy. The alternative is gridlocked cities, stranded rural residents, hampered freight delivery and continued over-reliance on increasingly hard-to-get oil supplies.
“What is most is encouraging is that the Administration has recognized that the earmark-driven, unaccountable spending of the past must end. The President today has promised to press for carefully targeted investments in those projects that compete best in satisfying clearly articulated national goals for energy security, safety, affordability, environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. We look forward in coming weeks to more details on how the Administration fulfills these goals for reform. The proposal to pay for the initial installment by removing some of the unnecessary subsidies to oil and other highly profitable corporations also strikes us as a sound approach.”
Senate Committee approves forward-looking Livable Communities Act
August 3, 2010By Transportation for America
The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs today approved Chairman Christopher Dodd’s (D-CT) Livable Communities Act, S. 1619. The Act would take unprecedented steps to help communities deal with a range of critical issues, from traffic congestion to housing affordability to neighborhood stability.
“We applaud the Committee for taking this major step forward on behalf of communities both small and large, and for American families looking for affordable homes in healthy neighborhoods with reliable transportation options,” said Transportation for America Director James Corless.
“The broad appeal and need for this legislation was evident, as the Act won support from Senators from states with large metro areas, such as Charles Schumer of New York and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and from more rural states, including Jon Tester of Montana and Tim Johnson of South Dakota. We urge the full Senate to follow their lead and give final passage to this important Act.”
The Livable Communities Act would:
- Provide grants for comprehensive planning to communities looking to integrate transportation, housing, economic development and environmental issues;
- Set aside $3.75 billion over three years for competitive grants to fund implementation of projects identified in these integrated regional plans;
- Create an Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities to bring together the departments of Housing and Urban Development and Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with other federal agencies, to coordinate federal efforts to support development that provides long-term economic and environmental benefits;
- Create an Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to foster sustainable development, lead sustainability initiatives and provide technical assistance to communities seeking to plan for a more sustainable future.
More on the Act in these two posts.
Senators Lautenberg, Murray and Cantwell Introduce Legislation for New Freight Program
July 23, 2010By Transportation for America
The FREIGHT Act of 2010 is a major shift in national transportation policy to support economic growth with targeted investment in efficient, clean, multimodal infrastructure for the movement of goods
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), with co-sponsors Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), today introduced the Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance to Help Transportation Act of 2010 (FREIGHT Act), a landmark bill, leading the charge to transform America’s transportation policy and investment by focusing on the freight network that enables goods and commodities to move about and reach their markets. The FREIGHT Act provides a visionary, comprehensive, systemic approach to infrastructure investment that addresses the nation’s commerce needs while providing a solid foundation that will also help our nation meet its energy, environmental and safety goals. The bill also calls for the creation of a new National Freight Infrastructure Grants initiative – a competitive, merit-based program with broad eligibility for multimodal freight investment designed to focus funds where they will provide the most public benefit.
“Poor planning and underinvestment in our transportation infrastructure has led to increased congestion at our ports, highways, airports, and railways, and increases the cost of doing business. If we want to help U.S. businesses succeed and create new jobs, we need a freight transportation system that works better and can grow with the changing needs of the global economy,” said Senator Lautenberg in his statement.
“The FREIGHT Act is a paradigm shift our CAGTC members have long advocated and represents a bold step toward ensuring our nation’s economic competitiveness in the 21st century,” said Mortimer Downey, CAGTC Chairman, Senior Advisor, Parsons Brinckerhoff and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation. “For the first time ever, the bill establishes a comprehensive freight policy with outcome-based goals and creates a broad multimodal, competitive freight–specific program to provide the infrastructure necessary to move this country’s commerce and drive the economy.”
The FREIGHT Act of 2010 directs the Department of Transportation (USDOT) to develop and implement two institutional advances that will improve and coordinate policy within the federal government and the states. The first is a National Freight Transportation Strategic Plan to guide and inform goods movement infrastructure investments in future years. In addition, it calls for the creation of an Office of Freight Planning and Development, led by an Assistant Secretary for Freight Planning and Development. The bill instructs USDOT to develop baselines, tools and methods within two years to measure progress.
“A truly multimodal national freight program that is accountable to measurable performance targets and benchmarks is something the U.S. has needed for a long time,” said James Corless, director of Transportation for America. “We applaud Senator Lautenberg for recognizing that our freight system can move our goods from coast to coast and power the economy while also being part of the solution for many of our most pressing problems: air quality, dangerous emissions, oil dependence, and congestion on our highways and interstates, to name just a few.”
In developing the National Freight Transportation Policy, the FREIGHT Act also encourages concurrent improvements in air quality impacts, carbon emissions, energy use and public health and safety by establishing environmental goals to complement goals for reducing delays and improving travel time reliability on freight corridors, at gateways and heavy freight population centers. Similarly, the grant program sets criteria to prioritize projects that improve freight mobility and enhance economic growth, while incentivizing environmental improvements.
“Congress must modernize our outdated freight infrastructure to reduce its harmful environmental and public health impacts,” said Kathryn Phillips, a transportation expert with the Environmental Defense Fund. “This important bill provides a roadmap to target federal investment to create a cleaner, more reliable freight system for the 21st century.”
System performance is emphasized throughout the FREIGHT Act and projects will be judged on benefit-cost analysis. The significant overlap among public and private interests in the freight system is recognized through encouraged planning and cooperation with private sector interests, while the grant program leverages Federal investment by promoting non-Federal contributions to projects.
“The National Freight Infrastructure Investment Grants program proposed in this bill would be an important addition to the federal toolbox. It would help fund exactly the type of multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional, major transportation infrastructure projects that have historically been overlooked by the federal transportation investment process,” said Chuck Baker, CAGTC Member and President of the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association.
The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, Environmental Defense Fund and Transportation for America commend Senator Lautenberg and the other co-sponsors of this visionary and strategically important policy. The three organizations have agreed to work together in support of the FREIGHT Act and call upon all in the transportation community to join in support.
About CAGTC
The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) is a diverse coalition of more than 60 organizations dedicated to increasing federal investment in America’s intermodal freight infrastructure. In contrast to single mode interests, CAGTC’s main mission is to promote a seamless goods movement transportation system across all modes to enhance capacity and economic growth. www.tradecorridors.org Twitter. Facebook
About EDF
A leading national nonprofit organization, Environmental Defense Fund represents more than 700,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. Twitter, Read our Way2Go blog, Website: www.edf.org/. Facebook.
About Transportation for America
Transportation for America is a growing, national coalition committed to creating a new national transportation program that will take America to the 21st Century by building a modernized infrastructure and healthy communities where people can live, work, and play. www.t4america.org
About National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association.
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association is the national trade association organized to serve the needs of railroad contractors, suppliers, and the entire railroad and rail transit construction industry. www.nrcma.org
Now Hiring: Massachusetts Field Organizer
July 23, 2010By Transportation for America
The Transportation for America Campaign is seeking a smart and motivated Massachusetts Field Organizer to direct the development of a diverse coalition of prominent state and local organizations working in key regions of Massachusetts to reform federal and state transportation policy.
The Massachusetts Field Organizer will report to the T4A Campaign Field Director in Washington DC on federal issues and T4Massachusetts on state and local issues. The position will be housed in the Alternatives for Community and Environment office in Roxbury, MA. This is a full-time position with some work on nights and weekends required. Regular travel throughout MA and occasional trips to DC will also be required.
Responsibilities:
- Engage with the T4Massachusetts group and continue to grow the diverse coalition of partners and allies committed to the policies of the campaign, including local business leaders, environmental organizations, labor unions, the real estate sector, equity and health groups, elected officials and others.
- Provide assistance with local education and state advocacy efforts of Massachusetts groups.
- Develop educational tools and materials on campaign goals and issues (in coordination with other local coalition partners and other T4America campaign teams).
- Engage in policy advocacy, media outreach and organizing public events.
- Expand the capacity of local and state campaign partners to engage with state and federal leaders on transportation and other related policies.
- Analyze and translate federal policy goals and “best practices” in transportation reform into a Massachusetts-specific context through outreach to local groups and allies.
Qualifications:
- At least two years of experience organizing with a political or issue campaign and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (required).
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
- Professional experience working on bicycling, walking, equity, transit, or community development issues (strongly preferred).
- Knowledge of Massachusetts communities and politics and campaign experience in Massachusetts.
- Strong communication and writing skills and an ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people and audiences.
- Experience managing relationships and partnerships through internet communication, in person and by phone.
How to apply:
Please send a resume, three references, and a cover letter describing the link between your qualifications and the position responsibilities to Kristin Purdy at fieldjobs@t4america.org. Resumes will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Job is available for an immediate start.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Transportation for America is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Now Hiring: Regional Field Organizer
July 14, 2010By Transportation for America
The Transportation for America Campaign is seeking an experienced and motivated candidate to develop and manage a network of partner organizations and stakeholders in key states for our campaign to reform federal transportation policy. This position will focus primarily on states in the West and South.
The Regional Field Organizer will work in the Washington, D.C. office of the Transportation for America campaign and will report to the Campaign Field Director. This is a full-time position with some work on nights and weekends required. Regular travel outside DC will also be required.
Responsibilities: The Regional Field Organizer will develop and maintain regional coalitions and networks of organizations, community and business leaders, and public officials, to assist their efforts to engage in policy advocacy, media outreach and organizing events. The Organizer will help analyze and translate federal policy goals and “best practices” in transportation reform into a state and local context through outreach to local groups and allies.
Qualifications: At least four years of experience organizing with political or issue campaigns, and bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Experience with coalition management required. Experience working on bicycling, walking, transit, or community development issues and knowledge of the West or South is helpful, but not required. Strong communication and writing skills and an ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people and audiences are essential. Must show experience managing relationships and partnerships through internet communication, in person and by phone.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Transportation for America is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply: Please send a resume, cover letter describing the link between your qualifications and the position responsibilities to Kristin Purdy at fieldjobs@t4america.org. Resumes will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Job is available for an immediate start.
Economic Policy Institute: Transportation for America Proposal Would Create More Jobs Than Reauthorization of Current Law
June 24, 2010By Transportation for America
Study finds that T4America’s policies would support 400,000 more jobs
than continuation of SAFETEA-LU
As America continues to reel from sustained, high unemployment, a new analysis by the Economic Policy Institute shows that, with a smart investment strategy, authorization of a proposed $500 billion transportation measure could support more than 7.2 million jobs.
EPI examined the jobs impact of two investment scenarios: a continuation of current transportation law, known as SAFETEA-LU, and a package of investments proposed by Transportation for America that emphasized maintenance and retrofits of existing infrastructure and completing the transportation network with adequate public transportation, in addition to highway capacity. The analysts found that, given an investment of $500 billion under either scenario, the T4America proposal would yield 400,000 more jobs over the six-year life of the law, for a total of more than 7.2 million jobs.
“The T4America proposal creates more jobs in large part because it calls for investments in more labor-intensive sectors of the economy, including repair and maintenance of the existing transportation system and public transportation,” said Ethan Pollack, the principle author of the study.
The analysis also found that the T4America investment strategy would especially benefit those hardest hit by the recession, including low-wage workers and Americans without a college degree. About 80 percent of the new jobs created would be filled by Americans without a four-year degree. The proposal also would create jobs at a higher level of unionization (15 percent) than the overall economy (12 percent).
“This study shows why America needs a new direction in our transportation policy,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “Cleaner and smarter transportation investments will create millions of good paying quality jobs and put our nation on a path to a lasting economic recovery.”
The EPI study echoes the 2009 findings of the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts. That study showed that public transportation generates 31 percent more jobs than new construction of roads and bridges, and repair work on roads and bridges generates 16 percent more jobs than new road and bridge construction. While the T4America package includes ample funds for new highway capacity, the emphasis on maintaining existing infrastructure and on completing the transportation network with adequate transit produces more jobs than a continuation of current policy.
The T4America strategy would support more than 761,000 manufacturing jobs, helping to expand or revitalize a range of industries associated with transit vehicles and other technologies. Another study released today by Duke University and the Apollo Alliance found that the rail industry is poised for particularly strong growth. The study examined the U.S. manufacture of rail vehicles in intercity passenger, high speed, regional, metro, light rail and streetcars. It finds that the U.S. rail supply chain includes at least 247 manufacturing locations in 35 states. More robust investment in rail would especially benefit New York (with 31 rail manufacturing facilities), Illinois (23), Pennsylvania (26), California (22) and Ohio (13).
“Transportation for America has an important message for the nation: The right kind of transportation investment creates jobs,” said Sam Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, a T4America coalition member. “The vision of complete transportation networks, connected cities and viable transit options is critical to economic development not only in metro Atlanta but across the country. This is an important and timely message for Congress.”
Central to the T4America proposal is an emphasis on repairing existing infrastructure and expanding public transportation options in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, provide well-maintained roads and bridges, convenient public transportation and safe places to walk and bicycle, boost our economy and keep Americans active and healthy.
American Power Act Will Create Clean Transportation Options
June 10, 2010By Transportation for America
Senator Carper, Business Leaders, Transportation Advocates Praise New Investments for Clean Transportation Options in Kerry-Lieberman Proposal
Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE) joined business leaders and Transportation for America, the largest, most diverse coalition working on transportation reform, to support key provisions of the Kerry-Lieberman American Power Act (APA) that creates a new funding stream for investments in clean transportation options that will create jobs and reduce our dangerous dependence on oil.
“If we want to get serious about reducing our dependence on oil and cleaning the air we breathe, we have to find ways to allow people to get out of our cars,” said Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE). “We have to provide clean transportation alternatives. I practice what I preach by taking the train from my home in Wilmington, Delaware to work in Washington, D.C. almost every day but for too many Americans mass transit isn’t a viable option. We have to change that dynamic. That’s why I am pleased Senators Kerry and Lieberman have included my CLEAN TEA legislation in the American Power Act. This robust investment puts us on the right path to reduce transportation emissions and oil consumption and improve our nation’s crumbling transportation infrastructure. These investments will make us healthier, less dependent on oil, and spur job creation and innovation.”
The proposal from Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT), offers the most substantial support for the transportation sector of any climate and energy legislation to date. Roughly 70 percent of oil consumed in the U.S. and one third of climate-harming emissions come from the transportation sector. The APA invests revenues generated from oil refineries in building new clean transportation options and maintaining our existing transportation system.
“America’s oil addiction is a threat to our national security, our economy and our environment,” said James Corless, director of Transportation for America. “The status-quo is unsustainable. The transportation provisions in the American Power Act will create jobs, spur growth of small businesses and American industry and make it easier and more affordable for Americans to get around. We strongly support these provisions and believe they should be funded at a higher level to ensure they achieve the greatest possible impact.”
The BP disaster is a devastating reminder that every gallon of oil saved not only benefits the planet, but also s bolsters national security and the economy. The transportation provisions of the bill would provide states and local communities with resources needed to reduce this dependency by providing consumers with safe, clean and affordable options for public transportation, walking and bicycling, as well as better-managed, less congested highways.
“Broward County and thousands of local governments across the country have been embracing the types of transportation strategies included in the American Power Act as a way to improve our economy, increase transportation choices, and create healthier, more sustainable communities, said Kristin Jacobs, County Commissioner, Broward County Florida. “The biggest challenge in implementing our plans, of course, is funding, which is why we’re pleased to see significant resources available through this legislation for states and local communities.”
“These provisions in the American Power Act will support innovations to keep America competitive, create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship and small businesses, and strengthen our economy, in part by expanding the use of ITS technologies to improve transportation system efficiency. While we applaud the provisions, we believe that all revenues raised from the transportation sector should be reinvested into our nation’s transportation system to create a more financially and environmentally sustainable transportation future.”
Continue reading to see the letter from Senators Carper, Specter, Merkley and Cardin to Senators Kerry and Lieberman expressing support of the bill’s funding for the transportation sector, while calling for additional funding to maintain and repair existing transportation infrastructure.
(Continue Reading)
Hundreds of Organizations from Every State in the Nation Thank US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood for His Leadership on Bicycle and Pedestrian Issues
June 1, 2010By Transportation for America
Hundreds of organizations from around the country joined together to thank U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood Friday for his leadership in making bicycling and walking safer and more accessible. Secretary LaHood accepted a thank you letter at DOT Headquarters from bicyclists representing America Bikes, Safe Routes to School National Partnership and Transportation for America and more than 200 national, state, regional and local organizations from every state in the nation.
The Washington Area Bicyclists Association, a signatory on the letter, joined the group to present a thank you poster from local bicyclists, many of whom attended the event.
Secretary LaHood has raised the profile of bicycling and walking as an important component of our nation’s transportation system—which will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, create more livable communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create more opportunities for Americans to be more physically active. The US Department of Transportation’s new Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation recommends that state and local governments give equal priority to walking and bicycling as other modes of transportation and ensure safe, convenient and interconnected transportation choices for people of all ages and abilities.
“The DOT is committed to providing the kinds of biking and walking opportunities people want to see in their communities,” said Secretary LaHood. “Bike and pedestrian paths are part of a cleaner, greener future for American transportation. I want to thank everyone at America Bikes, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, Transportation for America, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and the many other advocacy groups who are helping us make that future a reality.”
“Across the country people are biking and walking more. Americans want more investment in these cost effective transportation solutions that reduce congestion and air pollution, and offer healthy alternatives. ” Said Randy Neufeld, President of America Bikes, “We are ready to work side by side with Secretary LaHood to achieve his vision of a bike friendly America.”
“Forty years ago, nearly half of children walked and bicycled to school. Today, less than 15 percent of children do so — because parents are concerned about traffic speed and volume, distance to school, and lack of safe sidewalks and bike lanes,” said Deb Hubsmith, Director, Safe Routes to School National Partnership. “Secretary LaHood’s leadership is critical to ensuring that state and local governments focus on improving the safety and accessibility of walking and bicycling, so that more children and their families can make the healthy and active choice for their trip to school.”
“In small towns and big cities alike, Americans are saying loudly and clearly that their lives would be better, and their nation stronger, if we build more safe, clean and healthy options to move around,” said James Corless, Director of Transportation for America. “If American voters themselves were setting our transportation policy, more than 8 in 10 would support investing in a better network of roads and trails safe for walking and bicycling. Secretary LaHood is leading the way in creating a transportation program that invests our tax dollars accountably, in the things Americans want and need.”
A copy of the letter to Secretary LaHood is enclosed with the list of organizations that have signed on.
(Continue Reading)
Transportation for America Urges Congress to Support the Public Transportation Preservation Act
May 25, 2010By Transportation for America
Emergency Operating Aid Would Restore Major Service Reductions, Hold Down Fares and Preserve Jobs
Transportation for America today hailed the introduction of emergency legislation to prevent disastrous service cuts and fare hikes that are threatening public transportation riders across America.
The Public Transportation Preservation Act would provide $2 billion in emergency assistance for operating expenses necessary to restore a major reduction in transit service and to hold off future fare increases due to decreased state or local funding that occurred on or after January 1, 2009. Funding would be distributed through existing formulas. The Act will help transit agencies avoid or minimize future service reduction and fare increases that are being contemplated through the end of FY 2011.
Director of Transportation for America, James Corless, released the following statement supporting the act:
“With demand for public transportation service at its highest level in over 50 years, Congress must act to protect Americans who rely on transit from service cuts and fare hikes that threaten their ability to reach jobs and daily necessities. This act will help to preserve an economically essential service with a one-time, emergency infusion that will help to save jobs and access to jobs.
“Senators Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Sherrod Brown of Ohio are to be commended for coming to the rescue of public transportation riders across the nation. The dire situation facing transit systems across the country – as they are forced to lay off workers, raise fares and cut service – highlights the critical need for Congress to pass the transportation authorization bill this year that would address America’s need for greater transportation options.”
UPDATED: Tell your Senator to support or sponsor this bill.
American Power Act Endorses Expansion of Clean Transportation Options
May 13, 2010By Transportation for America
Climate, energy and transportation linked to reduce oil consumption and decrease emissions
Transportation for America, the largest, most diverse coalition working on transportation reform, expressed support for key provisions of the Kerry-Lieberman American Power Act as a major endorsement of clean transportation options to spur energy independence and climate protection.
“On top of a number of other issues, our coalition has been working since day one to stress the essential need to connect America’s climate and energy goals with a renewed national vision for transportation that lessens our dependence on oil, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and expands safe, clean and affordable transportation options for everyone,” said Transportation for America Director James Corless. “The American Power Act represents a key step towards creating a long-term policy that will meet our country’s future climate, energy and transportation goals.”
Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Lieberman (I-CT), with key support from Senator Carper (D-DE), made clear the critical connection between clean transportation and the environment by including necessary provisions that will ensure that revenues generated from the transportation sector go towards meeting the growing demand for more, better and cleaner transportation options, reduce oil consumption and decrease emissions.
“This legislation recognizes the critical role that transportation plays in our nation’s energy addiction,” said John Robert Smith, former mayor of Meridian, Miss., and president and CEO of Reconnecting America. “It gives communities additional funding to implement local plans to invest in community transit, complete streets or green freight facilities.”
Roughly a third of climate-harming emissions and 70 percent of oil consumed in the U.S. come from the transportation sector. As the BP oil spill so vividly reminds us, every gallon of oil we save not only helps the planet, but also makes our nation more secure. Key provisions of this bill would provide states and local communities with some of the resources needed to reduce this dependency by providing consumers with safe, clean and affordable options for public transportation, walking and bicycling, as well as better-managed, less congested highways.
These investments will help spur small businesses and expand American manufacturing of clean energy technologies that we will need to compete in a 21st century economy. Not only will this create jobs and expand our economy but it will help Americans spend less money at the gas tank and save money on transportation.
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- Livability in small towns #9: State of North Dakota
September 8, 2010 - T4 America applauds President Obama’s initiative for 21st Century infrastructure
September 6, 2010 - Livability in small towns #7: Meridian, Mississippi
September 3, 2010 - Livability in small towns #6: Breckinridge, Colorado
September 2, 2010 - Livability in small towns #5: Davidson, North Carolina
September 1, 2010
- Livability in small towns #9: State of North Dakota
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