Politics. On Point.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke yesterday at the The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) legislative conference where he encouraged Congress to "be bold", "be brave" when it comes to ideas for building America's infrastructure and rail systems. "We've always been big and had bold ideas", said LaHood. He praised President Obama for his vision of high speed rail and called out Congress for stalling the president's plan to improve the nation's existing railroads and building infrastructure here in America that would rival any foreign country's rail system. "You all have been to China and have seen their railroads.  I'm sure when you return home you're scratching your head asking, "Why can't we do that?" The U.S. ranks near the bottom of countries with sustainable or advanced rail systems. During the conference's Q&A session LaHood, who is retiring this year, was asked ...

One of the items President Obama ran his campaign on was that of rebuilding America's infrastructure. Earlier this month the president met with mayors and governors from across America to disclose that several projects are on tap to restore America's roadways and byways. As the president put it: "Our infrastructure is woefully inefficient and it is outdated." "What we need is a smart system of infrastructure equal to the needs of the 21st century.  A system that encourages sustainable communities with easier access to our jobs, to our schools, to our homes.  A system that decreases travel time and increases mobility.  A system that cuts congestion and ups productivity.  A system that reduces harmful emissions over time and creates jobs right now", he added. The president also mentioned that one in five construction workers are out of work.   While that may be the current statistic, you can bet that standing is even higher when it c...

New Transportation Projects Announced  (But We Just Want Our DC Area Potholes Fixed, Please!) Vice President Joe Biden today announced that 10,000 transportation projects are now under way in all 50 states and the District of Columbia thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Projects are considered under way when a contractor has been hired, the project has received official notice to proceed, and work has begun. This milestone comes just over a year after the Recovery Act was signed into law and as the spring construction season is getting into full swing. “The 10,000 transportation projects under way are already helping put us on the road to economic recovery, but there is even more to come,” said Vice President Biden. “This spring, Recovery Act projects will pick up the pace across the country, providing even more jobs improving America’s roads, highways and bridges.” Other major Recovery Act-funded projects under construction include I-4/Selmon Expres...