Oral Testimony of John Robert Smith, U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works

Oral Testimony of the Transportation for America Coalition
John Robert Smith, President, Reconnecting America
U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works
March 18, 2010
Read the full press release

Download the whitepaper: “Principles for Improving Transportation Options in Rural and Small Town Communities.” (pdf)

Chairman Boxer, Senator Inhofe, and esteemed members of the committee, I am John Robert Smith, President of Reconnecting America and a founding partner of the Transportation for America Coalition, otherwise known as T4America. On behalf of the Coalition, I would like to thank the Committee for holding this hearing on the transportation challenges facing rural America. I know these issues firsthand for I served 16 years as mayor of my hometown, Meridian, Mississippi, a small city of 40,000.

Transportation challenges facing small town America are not of congestion but of access – long commutes, volatile energy prices, and shifting demographics all impact the prosperity of these communities. Many small towns and rural areas lack the financial resources, planning capacity, or authority to implement solutions to their transportation needs. A bold new policy is needed at the federal level to meet those needs.

Last year the T4 Campaign hosted a series of roundtable discussions with transportation practitioners, nonprofit advocates, service providers, and elected officials. This working group identified barriers to accessible transportation in non-metropolitan areas, and prepared six principles for reform. These ideas are summarized in our white paper which we are releasing today, “Principles for Improving Transportation Options in Rural and Small Town Communities,” found as an appendix to my written testimony.

First, we must Empower Local Communities through Institutional Reforms. The residents and leaders of small towns and rural communities have responsibility for key elements of the transportation system that connect their towns with other areas. They know best their local transportation needs and challenges and want to be part of the decision-making process in finding solutions. .

Secondly, it is imperative that America Improves the Conditions and Safety of its Transportation System. The poor condition of many of our roads and bridges has reached a crisis point, threatening lives and the economy. Here are just two statistics that speak to this issue: More than 450,000 rural bridges, almost half the bridges more than 20 feet long, are structurally deficient. 58 percent of highway fatalities occur on rural roads, a rate twice that of urban roads. We must find highway design solutions and commit funding to reverse these dangerous conditions that threaten the safety of our people.

Third, there must be adequate Investment in Public Transit. The demand for transportation options is growing in rural America. The aging baby boomers in many small rural towns are increasingly reliant on local transit providers. Many people in my hometown of Meridian depend on public transit to see the doctor, go to the grocery store or get to their jobs.

Fourth, there is a desire among those who live in rural America to Preserve and Create Livable Communities. Some may think “livable communities” is a phrase that refers only to urban areas. I assure you, it is not. Sprawling development patterns have damaged the historic character and heritage of many small towns. In my own hometown, through investment in our downtown and the creation of a transportation hub, we bolstered the local economy and reversed the decline of our historic buildings and city center. Other communities like ours can experience that same revitalization if our country will commit the resources needed to enhance the economic competitiveness of existing communities.

Fifth, Investment in Intercity Transportation Networks will allow us to link public transit, passenger rail, high-speed rail, commercial air service and inter¬city buses. This is key to mobility in rural areas. Our decision in Meridian to invest in the revitalization of our historic train station as a multimodal center proved to be a catalyst for transforming our main street, increasing public transportation ridership, and helping to generate millions of dollars in private economic development in the surrounding neighborhoods. Expanding the funding and eligibility of intercity transportation facilities and intercity rail and bus service is critical.

Finally, we must Renew Our Focus on the Movement of Goods, particularly through rural America. State and local governments need the flexibility to invest in multimodal infrastructure, such as rail, intermodal transfer points, and inland waterways. Multi-modal freight solutions are required to ensure that rural economies continue to be competitive in the 21st century global economy.

In conclusion, a safe, strong, and efficient transportation system in our small towns and rural areas in addition to our larger cities is necessary if we are to continue to grow our economy and provide access to the American dream. I appreciate the Committee’s focus today on the unique needs of our smaller towns and rural areas. Thank you for your time and I welcome any oral or written questions.

[1] Federal Highway Administration. (2004) “Planning for Transportation in Rural Areas.” U.S. Department of Transportation. Washington, D.C. www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/rural/planningfortrans/index.html

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2007. http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/local_rural/rural_fatal.cfm