Spotlight

The National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission is one of two commissions created by SAFETEA-LU – the other, the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission (see article above). The Finance Commission is charged with analyzing future highway and transit needs and the finances of the Highway Trust Fund and making recommendations regarding alternative approaches to financing transportation infrastructure.

The Finance Commission recently released its interim report titled The Path Forward: Funding and Financing our Surface Transportation System. This report outlines the current issues facing transportation funding and how the commission will analyze funding options and finally make recommendations.

The interim report includes the following preliminary observations:

• Demand for transportation is out pacing investment;
• Maintenance costs are increasing and reducing the funds available for system expansion;
• The fuel tax is not sufficient at current rates;
• Direct user fees should be explored;
• Along with increased investment, more intelligent investment and better operation of the system is needed.

The commission will issue a final report by the end of the year.

Dr. Robert Atkinson, chairman of the Finance Commission and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington, DC-based technology policy think tank, has agreed to speak at the TDA Fly-in on April 9^th.

Click here to view the interim report.