The National Center for Intermodal Transportation at the University of Denver (NCIT) has concluded a Transportation Policy Paper following the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The NCIT policy paper outlines critical transportation elements that should be included in the national economic recovery and infrastructure portion of the program.

The paper's author, Professor Patrick Sherry, who frequently testifies on transportation policies in Washington, D.C., said the president's bold economic recovery program addresses critical elements necessary to invigorate the economy, tackles energy issues, and enhances the crumbling infrastructure; but, to be completely successful, the policy paper suggests that the recovery program must treat the transportation portion of the program in the aggregate, not just on a modal basis.

"A national transportation system has a significant impact on jobs, the economy, and the environment as a whole," reports Dr. Sherry. "Ultimately, investment in the infrastructure will contribute to a stronger economic picture for the entire country; but in order to address both the need for an economic stimulus and to improve the overall transportation infrastructure, NCIT believes that a strategically formulated 'national transportation plan that includes an 'interconnected, intermodal approach to our transportation system should be included."

The NCIT Policy Paper recommends that the following components be included in this national transportation plan:

  • Inject Critically Needed Funds into the Economy to Create Long-Term Economic Competitiveness: Funds should be committed to address the critical projects of a national transportation system, and the awarding of the funds should be guided by improving intermodal connectivity, reducing congestion, increasing economic competitiveness, decreasing the use of carbon fuels, and enhancing mobility, safety, and security.
  • Create a National Infrastructure Commission. A commission would help prioritize projects of regional and national significance. Considerable work has already been done in terms of identifying bottlenecks, under-funded transportation initiatives, congestion points, and needed projects of regional and/or national significance.
  • Prioritize Projects: 'Funds should be allocated on a priority basis and should include essential intermodal projects. Improved connections between various modes will provide for reduced congestion as well as increased modal efficiencies. This will decrease fuel consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and increase productivity, as well as reduce the operating costs of business and free-up time for quality-of-life enhancements for consumers and commuters.
  • Expand Mass Transportation: Projects such as light rail and commuter rail will further reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and congestion. The states and municipalities have spoken in the last election and these are needs that can be addressed quickly. An infusion of funds will accelerate the completion of existing planned expansions of the light rail system.
  • Enhance Public-Private Partnerships: Additional transportation projects that have private partners should also be prioritized. These would be high value projects and should be supported either with funds or tax credits.' They have most likely already passed some review that has determined their value.
  • Increase Access to Airports through Intermodal Connections: Funding should be awarded to develop connections to airports via light rail and bus to "go the last mile."
  • Reduce Bottlenecks and Choke Points: Funds should be designated to eliminate or reduce high congestion choke points. The Federal Highway Authority (FHWA) has already identified a list of key choke points throughout the nation.
  • Invest in Intelligent Transportation Systems Technologies: Technological advances often drive significant economic development and improvements in efficiencies.