The Commission: Great Opportunity for New Policy Direction
Congress created the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission to examine “future surface transportation system needs, expected demographic and economic changes that will shape traffic demand, the future of the Interstate System, and the potential for expansion, upgrades, and other changes to the surface transportation system to meet the nation’s needs.”
The Commission was directed to consult with representatives of State departments of transportation. This report is the first of six that AASHTO plans to provide to assist the Commission. It contains a comprehensive assessment of transportation needs today and in the future, and the demographic and economic changes that will shape that future. The other five reports will address: AASHTO’s Surface Transportation Policy Recommendations; America’s Freight Challenge; Revenue Sources to Fund the Needs of the U. S. Surface Transportation System; A Conceptual Plan to Ensure That the Surface Transportation System Will Continue to Serve the Needs of the United States; and A Performance-Based, Results-Driven National Surface Transportation Program.
AASHTO is pleased that the Congress created this Commission to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the surface transportation challenges facing America and how best to meet them. This is the first opportunity in over 25 years for a National Commission to undertake a mission with this broad a scope. We are impressed by the quality of the individuals appointed by the President and the Congress and by their commitment to use this opportunity to deliver a report to Congress which covers the full range of issues they were asked to address.
We are also pleased that Congress asked the Commission specifically to consult with representatives of State departments of transportation to ensure that their views are considered. The Commission has welcomed testimony from State DOTs in many of its forums and hearings, and it is in response to their request for information that this report is being provided.
It is instructive to review what came out of the last National Transportation Policy Study Commission which issued its report June 25, 1979. That Commission saw two major problems: aviation, trucking, and rail systems choking on over-regulation, and inadequate levels of investment. What they recommended was sweeping deregulation of aviation, trucking, and railroads, and a significant increase in transportation investment. Both were enacted, and both brought about significant advancements in the transportation system from 1980 to the present.
There is tremendous potential for the recommendations of this Commission to have as great an impact. We look forward to working with you and stand ready to assist you in every way possible.
John Horsley, AASHTO Executive Director
Testimony Before the National Surface Transportation Policy
and Revenue Study Commission Forum
Portland, Oregon
October 27, 2006
