One-on-One
Issue: November/December 2009
"a safe, efficient transportation system needs to remain a priority"
When AAA was founded more than a century ago, a lack of paved roads was among the greatest challenges that motorists faced. Knowing how important personal mobility was to our members, our organization was among the chief advocates for public investment in transportation infrastructure.
These days, our transportation challenges are more complex. Our continued reliance on aging highways and bridges and a lack of adequate public transportation in many communities threaten our quality of life, our economy and, in some cases, our public safety. Unfortunately, transportation funds are failing to keep pace with demand. Earlier this year, the federal government spent the last of its reserves from the Highway Trust Fund, which draws revenue from the federal gas tax, and most of Washington state’s transportation dollars are already spoken for—even as needs continue to grow.
This has officials in both Washingtons searching for more money. In Washington, D.C., lawmakers are looking to supplement the federal gas tax, which is expected to decline further as vehicles become more fuel-efficient. Officials in Olympia are considering new tolls and fees to help finance major transportation projects.
While we believe that a safe, efficient transportation system needs to remain a top priority, we are also reminding federal and state lawmakers that it is as important as ever to manage transportation dollars responsibly. If additional tolls, taxes or fees prove unavoidable, government agencies need to raise and spend funds efficiently. Any new costs to the public need to treat all user groups equitably and create real improvements, not just maintain the status quo. Transportation officials also need to fund only projects that meet accepted performance standards for improving traffic flows and cost-efficiency to avoid creating another “Bridge to Nowhere.” Maximizing our resources is vital to creating a balanced transportation network—and preserving the freedom of mobility we all value.
Charles Liekweg, President
