U.S. Chamber Applauds Recommendations for Performance-Driven Transportation Policy

Supports Policy and Program Reforms in SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today praised the Bi-Partisan Policy Center's National Transportation Policy Project (NTPP) for its report detailing needed reform to federal highway and transit programs.

"The Chamber is encouraged by the NTPP's bold proposals that dig in deeper and lay out the specifics of reform in federal surface transportation programs," said Janet Kavinoky, director of transportation infrastructure. "The key to real reform is performance-based programs that effectively use federal resources. The Chamber believes strongly that increased investment must be coupled with policies that bring accountability to the process."

The SAFETEA-LU reauthorization bill must provide increased funding and demand results for every dollar invested. In its policy recommendations to Congress, the Chamber ties its support for increased user fees with significant program reform that emphasizes performance management and accountability. Specific recommendations include:

• Federal programs should be reorganized and consolidated around specific, overarching national objectives to ensure that planning is more comprehensive and projects reflect the federal role.

• Project approval and funding should be linked to economic benefits and performance-based outcomes.

• Performance-based outcomes should be achievable and cost-effective for consumers and economically practical and feasible for industry.

• States and localities should be allowed to pursue solutions that meet their unique transportation needs. If those solutions are implemented with federal funding, they should contribute to addressing national interests.

"Now is the time for Congress and the president to move SAFETEA-LU reauthorization legislation to the top of the to-do list," Kavinoky stated.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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