AASHTO Journal, 1 March 2013
MAP-21, the future of transportation funding, and bringing transportation issues to Congress were among the topics of discussion at the AASHTO Washington Briefing roundtable session on Wednesday. The roundtable, led by AASHTO President and Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Michael Lewis, included expert panelists from a variety of transportation organizations. One of the main topics discussed was the implementation of MAP-21, the two-year surface transportation bill passed by Congress last year.
Janet Kavinoky, executive director of transportation and infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that “MAP-21 must be a success” when it came to performance measurement and project delivery. Panelists stressed their belief that the public views government services skeptically and therefore states must demonstrate the successes of state transportation departments and transportation projects.
“If we are going to expect additional funding, we’ve got to make the case that performance standards are actually working…the public doesn’t trust Washington with their money,”said Steve Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors.
One of the topics discussed was the significance of communication between state governments responsible for delivering transportation services and Congress. While on-time and on-budget projects are positive messages, other statistics or messages were suggested. From economic impacts to relevant statistics regarding improved system performance after a project is complete, panelists asserted a need for change in how projects are communicated.
“People want results… bring business to the table,” said Kavinoky when answering a question on transportation advocacy strategies.
Pete Ruane used Virginia’s Woodrow Wilson Bridge project to describe the need to communicate impacts after completion. “We aren’t telling what the net impact is for politicians to understand… weave it [the project benefits] into the day-to-day conversation.”
American Public Transportation Association President and CEO Michael Melaniphy said that it is important to talk about transportation as a system and not individual projects or modes. “We cannot talk about a single mode,” said Melaniphy. “Transportation is not a thing–it’s something that gets people where they want to go.”
The panel encouraged state DOT leaders to inform their representatives of transportation situations in their individual states and districts while attending congressional meetings during their visit to Washington.
“You know what’s needed in your states,” said Tim James, legislative director of the International Union of Operating Engineers. “Your voice with the congressional delegation on either side of the aisle is absolutely critical.”