FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Tom Garritano (312-386-8609 or tgarritano@cmap.illinois.gov)
CMAP states its principles for anticipated federal infrastructure investments
Aimed at ensuring near- and long-term needs are met with billions in U.S. economic recovery funds for roads, transit, other regional needs
CHICAGO, December 17, 2008 -- The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) has issued a set of principles for how funds should be spent on infrastructure in metropolitan regions through the anticipated $700 billion federal economic recovery package. The CMAP statement emphasizes transparency and accountability in the selection of projects for improvement of roads, transit, freight rail, water treatment, and other systems.
"The federal recovery package is being crafted in response to a once-in-a-lifetime economic crisis," said CMAP Board chairman Gerald Bennett. "A national consensus has emerged that investing in infrastructure -- especially road and transit projects where construction can begin soon -- is vital for creating jobs, among many other economic benefits. CMAP agrees with the need for near-term results via federal funding to regions and their municipalities. But we are adamant that this should also be the starting point for significant reforms of how infrastructure investments are made at the federal, state, and regional levels. Now more than ever, the public deserves to know that its tax dollars are being spent wisely."
CMAP says that infrastructure spending should be based on the following principles:
Timely but also strategic. For timeliness, projects should emphasize reconstruction and maintenance of infrastructure that already exists, so work can begin quickly. For strategic impact, preference should be given to projects that have national benefits.
Focused on metropolitan areas. Projects in major cities will tend to have the greatest economic and environmental benefits to the U.S., according to CMAP. The agency believes regional planning agencies should be partners in decision-making processes at the federal and state levels.
Comprehensive in scope. Priorities should be based on whether projects have broad benefits -- for example, to the regional transportation system as a whole rather than to just a portion of it. To avoid "half-measures," according to CMAP, funding should be sufficient to ensure that projects are not only begun but completed.
Combined with real reform. Federal transportation funding tends to be currently too compartmental, CMAP says, based on outmoded U.S. Department of Transportation programs. Benefits can instead be maximized by using the recovery package to trigger reform of how transportation projects are financed, selected, and delivered in the U.S., making them more transparent, accountable, and performance-based.
"The federal government needs to invest in projects of national significance," said Randy Blankenhorn, CMAP executive director. "These decisions should be what we call 'mode-agnostic,' which means that they are based on what works best, not on what fits best within artificial program categories. It's not effective to look at each part of the transportation system in isolation -- roads, public transportation, freight, and more -- because they are deeply interrelated."
One local example with national significance is CREATE (Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program), a public-private partnership to invest $1.5 billion in rail infrastructure improvements. CREATE seeks to reduce vehicle and train congestion at freight rail crossings, improving quality of life and enhancing an important economic asset. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, metropolitan Chicago is the nation's busiest freight hub, with one-third of all U.S. rail freight.
Among the reforms recommended by CMAP, the federal government should seek sustainable revenue sources that accurately reflect the true cost and value to the economy of getting around a large region. The shortage of funding through current mechanisms like the U.S. Highway Trust Fund has led to long-term neglect of the nation's transportation system, especially in metropolitan areas.
In addition to transportation, CMAP believes necessary infrastructure includes water and sewer systems, telecommunications capacity, schools, open space, and affordable housing. According to the statement, the benefits of such investments include higher economic productivity, job creation, reduced congestion, and improved overall quality of life.
"The U.S. economy depends on the prosperity of metropolitan regions like Chicago, which are home to 80 percent of the U.S. population and generate 85 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, according to the Brookings Institution," said Blankenhorn. "Continued economic success will hinge on our ability -- both nationally and here in our region -- to maintain and expand the road, transit, and freight rail systems, along with other vital infrastructure. As a country, we need to get this right."
Read the full CMAP principles statement at www.cmap.illinois.gov.
The CMAP Board consists of 15 voting members, with balanced representation from across the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. Because its actions require a 12-vote super majority, the Board strives for a consensus view of the region's best interests. It also includes two non-voting members, one each appointed by the Governor and the region's Metropolitan Planning Organization policy committee.