Larry Ehl of the Transportation Issues Daily blog interviewed Representative Rick Larsen this week, a senior member of the House Transportation Committee. He asked a number of questions relating to authorization of a new federal transportation bill and is posting the the questions/answers throughout the week.
Today’s question: Many studies have demonstrated that investing in roads, transit, rail and bike-pedestrian facilities is one of the best ways to create new jobs and preserve existing jobs. On top of that, there’s the benefits from reduced congestion, more travel options, and reduced air and water pollution. Yet the Administration and most Representatives and Senators seem unwilling to maintain or increase investment in transportation infrastructure. Is this because transportation stakeholders failed to convince legislators of the return on investment, or because the economy and budget is in such bad shape, or both? Here’s the answer, in video format.