
July 29, 2008
Secretary Peters Says Public Private Partnerships Must be Integral Part of Transportation Solution
Today, America Moving Forward, a non-profit coalition dedicated to advancing innovative solutions to the infrastructure crisis that is currently plaguing America’s roads, bridges and highways, released the following statement supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation’s reform proposal that encourages the use of public-private partnerships. The new proposal was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters in Atlanta, Georgia.
“In this comprehensive proposal, Secretary Peters has laid out a robust and viable plan to get our transportation system on the right track again. For years, transportation and infrastructure investment took a back seat to other national priorities. We ignored the facts and let our roads and bridges reach a state of disrepair.
“But the DOT’s new plan offers a stark change from previous policy, urging federal and state lawmakers to utilize public private partnerships as an important part of the solution.
“As the DOT’s proposal clearly explains, the public benefits of public private partnerships are many. These include reduced costs to state and local governments, the acceleration of projects that otherwise might be delayed, appropriate allocation of project risks, and higher quality projects. With growing federal and state budget deficits and deteriorating and congested roadways, public-private partnerships need to be encouraged as a practical and cost-effective option.”
The reform proposal outlines a renewed federal focus on maintaining and improving the Interstate highway system, addressing urban congestion and giving greater flexibility to state and local leaders to invest in needed improvements. Within the comprehensive plan, the US DOT gives special attention to public-private partnerships, also known as P3s.
A copy of the reform plan is available at www.fightgridlocknow.gov.
America Moving Forward is committed to seeking safe, practical solutions to our nation’s infrastructure crisis. The national coalition envisions a program of innovative Federal and state-level partnerships between government, communities and the private sector that eases the burden on taxpayers and frees up money for other priorities. These partnerships will not only restore the reliability of American infrastructure, they will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. To learn more, go to www.americamovingforward.org.
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