A new survey by the Rockefeller Foundation on transportation found that 71 percent want political leaders to seek common ground on legislation related to roads, bridges, and transit systems,
The survey is part of the foundation's $66 million transportation initiative, and also shows that Americans understand the economic power and job creation ability of improving and modernizing transportation systems as 80 percent agreed that federal funding to will boost local economies and create millions of jobs, while also helping to keep the United States as the world's top economic power.
Overwhelming majorities of those surveyed, 90 and 86 percent also believe that local regions should have a greater say in how transportation dollars are used in their area, and that a top priority is having a "fix it first" policy that focuses on maintaining existing transportation systems before building new ones. Both of these are key elements of the League's transportation advocacy position.
With the continued debate both in our state and nation's capitals over transportation funding, its clear that Americans get it. Lets now hope our policy makers do before our infrastructure becomes more akin to a second or third world country.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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