Shut-down Crisis Reveals Desperate Need for Longterm Overhaul of our Nation’s Transportation Program
March 1, 2010By Transportation for America
With jobs, the economy our quality of life in the balance, Congress must act now on authorization.
As the national transportation program faces fiscal uncertainty today following Sen. Jim Bunning’s (R-KY) refusal to extend legislation to fund transportation and other national programs on Friday, James Corless, campaign director of Transportation for America, released the following statement:
“The problem is not simply that one Senator was able to thwart a crucial, timely vote. That lone Senator was able to shut down our nation’s transportation program only because Congress has left this essential underpinning of our economy on life-support for far too long. The highway trust fund we created to build the interstates in the 1950s simply is not up to the job of building and maintaining the system we need for the 21st century. This is not a backburner issue, even if Congress has been treating it as one.
“While we lurch, from extension to extension, with our transportation program teetering on the brink of insolvency, the rest of the world is not standing still. China is building a $500 billion rail network. Canada, whose hockey team just beat us for the gold medal, is beating us in building efficient urban transportation networks, even as our public transportation systems are being forced to slash service in the face of Congressional inaction.
“American jobs – millions of them — are relying on the authorization of our transportation program. Americans everywhere depend on an efficient, safe and accessible network of roads and transit systems to get to work each day. If we are going to right this economy permanently, Congress must quickly address our nation’s outdated transportation program and ensure stable funding levels for public transportation, including operating assistance for struggling systems, for the repair and maintenance of our highways and bridges, and a robust investment in projects that will make our communities sustainable for the long haul.”
James Corless is the Campaign Director of Transportation for America.
Transportation a Key Point of Compromise for Senate Jobs Bill
February 25, 2010By Transportation for America
Bipartisan passage accompanies strong vote for transportation reform
WASHINGTON D.C. – Following the bipartisan passage of the jobs bill in the Senate this morning, James Corless, campaign director of Transportation for America, released the following statement:
“Today’s bipartisan passage by the Senate of a $15B jobs bill came with a clear indication of the significance of transportation for the American public. Central to the Senate compromise was the caveat put forth by Senator Voinovich (R-OH) that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) submits a comprehensive transportation bill by year’s end, recognizing the long-term economic significance of prioritizing our national transportation program.
“While this bill extends the existing transportation bill through 2010, it does not offer financial support for longer term infrastructure projects. We therefore stand ready to support Chairman Boxer (D-CA), and Senator Voinovich’s (R-OH) leadership in creating a bi-partisan long-term, transformational transportation bill in the near future as it will serve as a strong indicator that the American public can expect Congress and the Administration to viably reshape our transportation infrastructure.
“If given the opportunity to move ahead with additional job creation measures, Congress can work to save and create thousands of jobs in 2010 by increasing funding levels for public transportation, including operating assistance for struggling systems, as well as investing in a robust package of pedestrian, bicycle, livable community and transportation technology projects as we have proposed. These investments would put people back to work immediately and improve access and safety for those still looking for ways to get to their jobs.
“In order to encourage long-term economic stability and ensure that additional jobs are not lost, Congress needs to address our nation’s outdated transportation program and finalize a fully transformational transportation bill.”
Now Hiring: Minnesota Field Organizer
February 18, 2010By Stephen Lee Davis
The Transportation for America (T4A) Campaign is seeking a smart and motivated Minnesota Field Organizer to direct the development of a diverse coalition of prominent state and local organizations working in key regions of Minnesota to reform federal transportation policy.
The Minnesota Field Organizer will report to the T4A Campaign Field Director in Washington, D.C., and will be housed in the Transit for Livable Communities offices in St. Paul, Minn. The successful applicant will work closely with the existing Minnesota transportation reform network to expand the coalition, build leadership, and meet local capacity-building goals.
This is a full-time position with some work on nights and weekends required. Candidate must be available for travel on a frequent basis throughout MN and to Washington, D.C. Experience managing field operations and coalition organizing on a political or issue campaign is a MUST.
To find out more about Transportation for America please visit our website, T4america.org, where you can read about us and view our partners.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and continue to build a diverse coalition of partners and allies, including local business leaders, labor unions, environmental, equity, and health groups, developers, elected officials and others.
- Educate the community regarding federal transportation policy through presentations at conferences, community events and before elected bodies of government.
- Participate in development of educational tools and materials on campaign goals and issues.
- Engage in policy advocacy, media outreach and organizing public events.
- Analyze and translate federal policy goals and “best practices” in transportation reform into a Minnesota-specific context through outreach to local groups and allies.
- Act as the T4 America liaison on the ground, communicating the latest legislative knowledge from Washington, DC to the Minnesota coalition, and vice versa.
Qualifications:
At least two years of experience organizing with political or issue campaigns, and bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Experience with coalition management required. Experience working on bicycling, walking, transit, or community development issues is helpful, but not required. Strong communication and writing skills and an ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people and audiences are essential. Knowledge of Minnesota communities and politics and campaign experience in Minnesota is strongly preferred.
How to apply:
To be considered for this position, submit the application materials to christine.goepfert@t4america.org. Candidates must submit the following: 1) a cover letter specific to this job posting, 2) a current resume, 3) three references, and 4) writing samples not to exceed four pages.
Resumes will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Job is available immediately.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Transportation for America is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
TIGER Grants Offer Critical Support to Communities with Innovative Transportation Projects
February 17, 2010By Transportation for America
Merit-based program an excellent model for the next transportation authorization
The Obama Department of Transportation today broke historic ground in unveiling projects chosen in a first-ever program to award federal dollars on a competitive basis to innovative projects that address economic, environmental and travel issues at once.
The 51 projects announced under the TIGER grant program, funded by $1.5 billion included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), meet a broad array of challenges, including:
- Bridge replacements in Oklahoma, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Indiana that can support multiple modes of travel;
- Port and freight-rail projects to spur economic growth in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Ohio;
- Modern streetcar construction to support vibrant urban corridors in Tucson, Dallas, Portland and New Orleans and light rail in Detroit;
- Innovative highway funding and operations in Texas, North Carolina, Colorado, South Carolina and Arkansas;
- Bicycle and pedestrian networks in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and a complete streets project in Dubuque, IA;
- The long-awaited rebirth of New York’s former Penn Station as Moynihan Station.
“These are the kinds of projects that will create good paying jobs, spur local economic development, revive our city centers and create regional integrated transportation solutions,” said John Robert Smith, the co-chair of T4 America and former Mayor of Meridian, Mississippi. “Today’s announcement clearly shows the administration’s commitment to supporting livability initiatives in metropolitan regions, smaller communities and rural areas alike.”
A complete list of recipients can be found on the US DOT press release.
Project applications had to show multiple benefits, with priority give to these criteria: 1) that projects improve the condition of existing facilities and systems, 2) contribute to the economic competitiveness of the U.S. over the medium- to long-term, 3) improve the quality of living and working environments for people, 4) improve energy efficiency, reduce dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit the environment, and 5) improve public safety.
Secretary LaHood spoke from Kansas City, showcasing the city’s Green Impact Zone, an area of high unemployment and concentrated poverty that is being revitalized with green buildings, clean transportation options including public transportation and bicycle and pedestrian projects.
DOT Secretary Ray LaHood noted that the program was extraordinarily sought-after, garnering 1,400 applications totaling nearly $60 billion for the $1.5 billion pot. “The sheer popularity of this ground-breaking approach is testament to how many states and localities are struggling to build innovative projects that simply don’t happen under the pre-existing program,” Mayor Smith said.
“We hope this is a glimpse of what the next transportation authorization could look like,” Smith added. “Congress needs to build on this success and authorize the surface transportation program along similar lines to support innovation and integrated transportation solutions in communities of all sizes.”
Now Hiring: Regional Field Organizer
February 11, 2010By Transportation for America
The Transportation for America Campaign is seeking an experienced and motivated candidate to develop and manage a network of partner organizations and stakeholders in key states for our campaign to reform federal transportation policy. This position will focus primarily on states in the West and South.
The Regional Field Organizer will work in the Washington, D.C. offices of the Transportation for America campaign and will report to the Campaign Field Director. This is a full-time position with some work on nights and weekends required. Regular travel outside D.C. will also be required.
Responsibilities: The Regional Field Organizer will develop and maintain regional coalitions and networks of organizations, community and business leaders, and public officials, to assist their efforts to engage in policy advocacy, media outreach and organizing events. The Organizer will help analyze and translate federal policy goals and “best practices” in transportation reform into a state and local context through outreach to local groups and allies.
Qualifications: At least four years of experience organizing with political or issue campaigns, and bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Experience with coalition management required.
Experience working on bicycling, walking, transit, or community development issues and knowledge of the West or South is helpful, but not required. Strong communication and writing skills and an ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people and audiences are essential. Must show experience managing relationships and partnerships through internet communication, in person and by phone.
How to apply: Please send a resume, cover letter describing the link between your qualifications and the position responsibilities to kristin.purdy@t4america.org. Resumes will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Job is available for an immediate start.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Transportation for America is an equal opportunity employer. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
T4 America: Prioritize Transportation Investments that Keep More People Working in Meeting President’s Call for New Jobs Measure
January 28, 2010By Transportation for America
Comments to Administration praise high-speed rail initiative, offer key principles for success in preserving, creating infrastructure jobs
Responding to his call for a jobs bill aimed at easing the unemployment crisis, the Transportation for America coalition today wrote to President Obama and cabinet members outlining the transportation investments can put the most Americans back to work, quickly.
The coalition, now with more than 400 members, also applauded the President for moving ahead on his vision for a world-class network of intercity rail. “Our coalition members have worked hard to make the case for just such an investment,” said John Robert Smith, co-chair of T4 America, “so the President’s announcement today of progress on 13 corridors is welcome news, indeed.”
The letter outlines key principles for targeting transportation funding to have the most impact in putting Americans back to work while also laying the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity.
First, Congress can save jobs right now and put laid-off public transit workers back on the job by offering emergency assistance to the hundreds of transit agencies across the country that are facing deep cuts in jobs and service in this economic crisis. This will not only keep bus and train operators working, it also will ensure that other Americans can make it to their jobs. Meanwhile, investments should be made in workforce development training opportunities targeted to workers in greatest need, as well as increases in funding for highway and road programs with the highest job growth potential.
Congress also must recognize that repair, maintenance and upgrades of existing roads and transit systems puts more people to work, faster than building new projects.
“It’s a no-brainer that funding needs to be dedicated to those transportation programs already in place – both to reinstate access to jobs, and provide transit workers with employment,” said James Corless, campaign director for T4 America. “It takes zero time and no red-tape for a transit system to rehire workers or find new employees if given the flexibility to spend funding to reopen cut service lines or repair already existing infrastructure.”
T4 America’s proposal also emphasizes the need to distribute investments towards forward-thinking programs that will begin to advance our nation’s transportation network, including high-speed rail and clean public transportation, both of which can also help to reduce dependence on oil. Crucial to truly revolutionizing the national system is to make sure that this jobs bill is short-term for 2010 only, with a commitment to creating a strong, long-term transportation authorization bill that meets our larger transportation needs.
“If President Obama is serious about another jobs bill that will truly impact job creation and spur economic growth, he and Congress need to allocate investments towards maintenance and operating costs for transit agencies across the country, giving them the ability to decide how best to put the money to use,” said Corless.
Now Hiring: Policy Associate
January 27, 2010By Transportation for America
Transportation for America is seeking a highly skilled individual with knowledge and interest in federal transportation policy to serve as Policy Associate for this national advocacy campaign. This person will report directly to the Policy Director and work closely with the Research and Legislative Directors, as well as with other coalition members and stakeholders in the implementation of the Transportation for America Platform.
Position Purpose and Responsibilities:
The Policy Associate will serve as primary staff for policy issues related to the Transportation for America Platform, including fix-it-first policies, climate change and energy security, public health and active living, transit-oriented development, rural transportation, and public transportation. The Policy Associate will be responsible for refining the Campaign’s policy platform into legislative proposals, developing advocacy materials in key areas of transportation reform, and conducting quantitative analysis of policy proposals and programs.
The Policy Associate will work to elevate Transportation for America’s overall presence in national research and policy-making forums. The Policy Associate will organize national, state, and local partner organizations to coordinate and collaborate on reform policies and analysis of implementation scenarios and funding. In terms of research, the Policy Associate will be closely engaged with the policy implications of research projects and ensure that policy research is incorporated into advocacy of tools and strategies for promoting transportation reform.
Major tasks and responsibilities of the Policy Associate are:
- Research and write major policy white papers with a focus on policy priority areas, state and local implementation steps, and target audiences.
- Write summaries, fact sheets, and testimonies to support major policy priority areas.
- Organize meetings with coalition partners to develop, refine, and expand policy proposals and coordinate activities, meetings, and research to push national transportation reform initiatives.
- Conduct spreadsheet analyses of the implications of changes to funding levels, program consolidations, and revenue options at the state and national level.
- Build relationships and coordinate with allied partners to develop new partnerships, and represent our organization within larger transportation reform discussion, meetings and forums.
- Identify legislative actions, opportunities and allies, and monitor legislation relevant to mixed-income, sustainable communities and other areas of relevance.
Qualifications:
- Deep understanding of policy issues related to the Transportation for America Platform, including economic opportunity and jobs, climate change, energy security, health, housing and community development.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking skills to identify policy strategies, particularly for federal reform in Congress and at Administration levels.
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills. Ability to work productively, professionally and respectfully with a wide range of partners, constituents and other critical community stakeholders, in a diversity of settings; experience working in situations involving collaboration among multiple stakeholders representing diverse interests and points of view.
- Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze, to think critically and to synthesize complex information and convey concepts and ideas in a clear and persuasive manner.
- Expertise in basic computer software, including Excel, Adobe, and PowerPoint for research, presentation and communication purposes. Experience with graphic design and mapping software, including InDesign and GIS considered a plus.
- Master’s degree in Transportation, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Geography or other related field, or a minimum of five years of work experience in a related field.
Salary and Benefits:
The position is full-time, and based in Washington, DC. Salary is competitive and commensurate with training and experience. T4 America provides a comprehensive benefits package.
To Apply: Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Please send a cover letter and resume to Jobs@t4america.org and write “T4 America Policy Associate” in the subject line. Applications must be received by February 28, 2010.
Obama Administration’s Improved Screen for Transit Projects Will Help The Economy, Environment and Local Communities
January 14, 2010By Transportation for America
Transportation for America and Smart Growth America applaud repeal of rules that hampered communities seeking deserving rail and rapid bus projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to Secretary LaHood’s announcement today that funding guidelines for major transit projects will be selected based on livability benefits, including economic development and the environment, James Corless, campaign director of Transportation for America, and Geoff Anderson, president and CEO of Smart Growth America, had the following reactions:
“We applaud the Obama Administration for recognizing that smart transportation projects can have a powerful effect on the livability of communities across America,” Anderson said. “For too long federal rules have taken a blinkered approach to the cost-benefit analysis of transit projects, deliberately ignoring benefits to communities looking to provide more options, shape growth, reduce environmental impacts and spur economic development. This policy change represents a significant shift that will ensure our federal investments contribute to greater economic development, protect the environment and improve the health of the American people.”
“As discussion around the federal transportation authorization bill continues,” Corless said, “there could not be a more important moment for forward-looking, innovative approaches to transforming our existing system. The next step is to ensure our entire transportation program addresses the essential issues of economic development, the environment and public health by focusing on livability and sustainability in the selection of all transportation projects.”
“We need to complete our transportation network by devoting a greater share of funds for public transportation. We also need to give state and local leaders the option of choosing the best solutions for their communities, by equalizing both the rules and required funding matches for transit and highways. It is clear that Americans are looking for a new era of leadership to provide the safer, cleaner, and smarter transportation options that will help them save money pump even as our communities become more energy-efficient, healthy and livable.”
Cross-posted at Smart Growth America.
House Jobs Measure Provides Needed Boost for Infrastructure
December 17, 2009By Transportation for America
Changes Needed In Senate to Get Biggest Bang for the Buck
The transportation spending priorities in the jobs bill, set for a vote in the House of Representatives today, will provide much needed short-term funding for our roads, bridges and transit systems that will put Americans to work across the country. These “stopgap” provisions will save and create jobs, and give states and localities the opportunity to start bringing their crumbling transportation systems back into a state of good repair.
Riders of public transportation systems all over the U.S. will benefit in particular from the provision allowing large transit systems to use 10 percent of the $6.15 billion in formula funding for operations, a critical provision during this crisis in transit funding. This emergency operating assistance will save jobs and prevent debilitating fare increases and services cuts that make it more difficult for working people to get where they need to go.
But to get the biggest bang for the buck in job creation and increase accountability for transportation funding, the Senate can make meaningful changes that will focus investments in a smarter more responsible way towards projects that create the most jobs, fastest and build for the long-term health of our economy.
In adjusting the jobs bill the Senate should:
- Include language to ensure the $27.5 billion allocated to the traditional highway program goes towards projects that restore our transportation networks to a state of good repair. The American Society of Civil Engineers has estimated current road repair needs at $94 billion per year. These “fix-it-first” projects are ready to go faster than other projects and create 16 percent more jobs than new highway construction. Unfortunately, the current draft fails to include language ensuring highway money is prioritized to fix crumbling roads and bridges.
- Include funding for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and the Department of Transportation’s High Speed Rail and TIGER programs to create good green jobs modernizing our transportation system and provide significant long-term benefits for the nation. The merit-based investments in the TIGER program increase accountability of spending and ensure we are funding projects that would create the most jobs and deliver the biggest benefits. The $1.5 billion TIGER grants available in the ARRA attracted $57 billion in applications, leaving more than $55 billion unfunded.
- Include workforce development provisions to target new transportation construction jobs to the people who need them most. This can be done by dedicating one percent of all funding for apprenticeship and construction careers programs in the transportation sector and by targeting 30 percent of all construction work hours to local, lower-income workers.
This jobs bill will provide needed funding for transportation projects to stem the tide of continuing job losses. But short-term measures, based on an outmoded, 1950s-era transportation program, simply are not sufficient to meet the economic challenges of the 21st century.
We applaud the House leadership for addressing the short-term needs for job creation while keeping a focus on taking up the successor legislation to the expired SAFETEA-LU law in earnest in this Congress. We look forward to supporting Congress and the Administration in bring about a bold new vision for our transportation program that supports long-term economic growth and creates a safer, cleaner, smarter system for everyone.
Transportation for America Praises Boost in High-Speed Rail Funding
December 9, 2009By Stephen Lee Davis
John Robert Smith, co-chair of the Transportation for America campaign and former Amtrak Board Chairman, released the following statement in response to Congress’ allocation of $2.5 billion for high-speed rail:
“We are pleased that the Consolidated Appropriations Committee bill for fiscal year 2010 includes $2.5 billion for high-speed rail. This is an important step forward and will build off the $8 billion previously allocated to high-speed rail in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. High-speed rail is a key priority of the Transportation for America campaign and our vision of expanded transit choices, intercity connectedness and less reliance on foreign oil.”
“This $2.5 billion would not be possible without the efforts of Congressman John Olver, a friend of public transportation throughout his 18 years in Congress. We applaud Congressman Olver’s efforts and look forward to our continued partnership.”
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- Transit grants out the federal door, but what about the cuts?
March 8, 2010 - Transit riders in Atlanta face massive cuts, “wholesale restructuring” of service
March 5, 2010 - Opposition to Senate extension results in looming shutdown of federal transportation programs
February 26, 2010 - T4 jobs proposal would create nearly half a million jobs, according to Economic Policy Institute
February 17, 2010 - Obama’s 2011 budget gives a lift to livability and transportation
February 2, 2010
- Transit grants out the federal door, but what about the cuts?
The United States of Transit Cutbacks
Driving is down and transit ridership is at record highs. Yet transit agencies across the country are considering layoffs, service cuts and fare hikes. Find out more and learn what you can do to help at t4america.org/transitcuts
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