Transportation for America Coalition Surpasses 350 Organizations
August 12, 2009By Transportation for America
| CONTACT: Cosabeth Bullock 202-478-6128 cbullock@mrss.com |
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The chorus of organizations calling for a bold new vision for transportation continues to grow rapidly, with more than 350 signing on with Transportation for America as of August 1.
The diversity and breadth of the coalition also are expanding, with recent signatories including business groups such as CEOs for Cities and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group; mayors like Shirley Franklin of Atlanta and R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis; large and influential membership organizations such as AARP; and groups representing both rural and urban areas, including the Center for Rural Strategies and the Metropolitan Planning Council of Illinois.
“As one of the first mayors to sign on in support of Transportation for America’s vision for a new transportation system, I’m thrilled to see how much our coalition has grown,” said Mayor R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis. “As a mayor, I see firsthand the result of a failed federal transportation policy that’s been allowed to linger for far too long. Real change will come when we stand up and work together and that’s exactly what is happening with this effort.”
“The National Association of REALTORS believes that the timely provision of safe, convenient and efficient transportation infrastructure enhances the quality of communities, supports property values, and mitigates the effects of traffic congestion that accompany growth,” said Bob McNamara of NAR. “NAR has joined Transportation for America to pursue these goals in coalition with other groups representing the diverse users of the nation’s transportation system.”
“The current transportation system doesn’t work for older Americans,” said David Sloane, AARP senior vice president for Government Relations and Advocacy. “Without reform, the 71 million people reaching age 65+ by 2030 will risk being stranded at home in old age. We need comprehensive restructuring of our nation’s transportation policies to address changing needs for alternative transportation and paratransit services, safer roadways and vehicles, and more livable and sustainable communities. AARP commends Transportation for America on its success in forging partnerships with diverse organizations across the country, from neighborhood to national, and particularly for reaching the milestone of adding its 350th partner.”
“Healthy transportation options and networks not only accommodate access and mobility needs but are a key determinant of quality of community life,” said Melanie Reynolds with the Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department and the Association of Montana Public Health Officials. “We need federal leadership to help make the critical link between health, safety, and transportation policies and create communities that promote active living, reduce pollution levels, increase accessibility, and ensure safety for all transportation users.”
“America’s 60 million rural residents need a voice in transportation policy. The coalition has offered us a way to bring rural concerns into an important national conversation,” said Tim Marema, vice president of the Center for Rural Strategies. “Good transportation policy will improve prospects for all of us – rural, suburban, and urban. The coalition provides a way for all Americans to work together to build a stronger nation.”
The Transportation for America campaign is working to help reform the nation’s transportation policies and investments to preserve the existing network while promoting the transition to a clean, efficient, energy-independent future. Currently the campaign is focused on the authorization of the six-year expiring federal transportation bill and securing investments that fix crumbling bridges and highways as well as increase support for the cleanest forms of transportation — public transit, high speed rail, walking and biking.
“Transportation for America is thrilled to lead such an impressive group of organizations, elected officials and businesses with the shared goal of building a modernized infrastructure to support livable communities where people can live, work and play,” said James Corless, director of Transportation for America. “This groundbreaking grassroots movement will change our federal transportation policy to make our communities, safer, healthier and more prosperous.”
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