January 15, 2008
Commission Outlines New Approach in 'Transportation for Tomorrow' Report
State legislators available to comment on commission's report
WASHINGTON – State legislators rate transportation and infrastructure issues as a top priority. Across the country, state and local governments own and operate more than 90 percent of America’s surface transportation network.
However, this state-owned system relies on a critical partnership with the federal government to achieve the national goals of the transportation infrastructure. Today, the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission released a report calling for “A New Beginning” in surface transportation, with a re-examination of how federal programs are structured and funded.
"Reports like this one highlight the public policy challenges facing us and begging for resolution," said William T. Pound, executive director of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). "Still, there is more work to do to improve and maintain our nation's transportation network."
State legislators share the Commission’s goal “to create and sustain the pre-eminent surface transportation in the world” and recognize the need for such a system in order to support American economic growth, vitality and competitiveness. NCSL appreciates the Commission’s work, looks forward to studying the Commission’s report, and plans to work with Congress to make sure the next surface transportation authorization fosters the state-federal partnership that will meet America’s mobility needs.
For additional comment or to schedule an interview, feel free to contact the state legislators listed below.
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State Legislators
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, Washington
Chair, Washington Transportation Committee
Vice Chair, NCSL Surface Transportation Reauthorization Working Group
(360) 661-4809
Rep. Dan Silva, New Mexico
Chair, New Mexico House Transportation Committee
Chair, NCSL Transportation Committee
(505) 280-9647
NCSL Experts
Jeremy D. Meadows
Senior Policy Director: Trade & Transportation
State-Federal Relations Division
(202) 624-8664
(202) 413-0886
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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