Everyone (well at least those of us in the transportation industry and those who follow it) knows the federal transportation program expired last September. And we keep hearing that it’s the healthcare debate that is slowing down getting another one passed. But is that really the reason for the delay in addressing the state of transportation in this country? This article by Neal Pierce on the Citiwire blog says that the state of our infrastructure is much worse than anyone is letting on and Congress is afraid to make any major moves or reforms during this time of recession. Plus, members may be uncomfortable with passing a multi-billion dollar authorization measure just before the midterm elections.
The article also says MPO’s (like SRTC)need to shake up their model for transportation choices. Read the article and the comments and let me know; is this just Mr. Pierce crying wolf to try to scare us into changing our ways or is it legitimate?