Advocates In 11 States + DC Urge Their Local Departments Of Transportation To Follow Federal Guidelines When Spending New Infrastructure Money

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 3, 2022
Contact: Doug Gordon | doug@upshiftstrategies.com

Advocates In 11 States + DC Urge Their Local Departments Of Transportation To Follow Federal Guidelines When Spending New Infrastructure Money

Advocates In CA, CO, DC, IL, MD, MI, NC, OR, PA, VA, WA And WI Urge Local DOT Officials TO Ensure Safe, Reliable And Accessible Transportation For Everyone, No Matter Where They Live

This week advocates in eleven states plus the District of Columbia sent letters to their local Departments of Transportation urging them to follow recently released federal guidelines when it comes to spending new federal infrastructure funding.

The memorandum, which the groups were referencing, sets clear expectations for how to prioritize new investments in a way that makes our communities safer, more accessible, sustainable, and equitable.

The letters were sent by groups in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin and urged local officials to spend the funds in a more equitable and sustainable way.

Specifically, the groups pointed out U.S. DOT investments and projects that will help “Build a Better America,” including:

  • Improve the condition, resilience and safety of road and bridge assets consistent with asset management plans (including investing in the preservation of those assets);
  • Promote and improve safety for all road users, particularly vulnerable users;
  • Make streets and other transportation facilities accessible to all users and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
  • Address environmental impacts ranging from stormwater runoff to greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Prioritize infrastructure that is less vulnerable and more resilient to a changing climate;
  • future-proof our transportation infrastructure by accommodating new and emerging technologies like electric vehicle charging stations, renewable energy generation, and broadband deployment in transportation rights-of-way;
  • Reconnect communities and reflect the inclusion of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups in the planning, project selection and design process; and
  • Direct Federal funds to their most efficient and effective use, consistent with these objectives.

The groups also stressed the importance of investing in public transit systems. And stated that the transit unlocks freedom of movement and dramatically increases access to opportunity.

You can see the letter groups sent in California here.

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