Why Obama’s “Fix it First” Approach to Infrastructure Matters
Everyone watching the President's State of the Union address last night was looking for hints about what's to come during his second term. And the good news is that what he had to say left advocates for safe, sustainable transportation feeling hopeful.
David Goldberg at Transportation for America said the President used some important phrases. Chief among them: "Fix it First."
It did our hearts good to hear the President talk about creating a Fix-it-First program (where have we heard that before?) that will focus on the health of our infrastructure, such as the 70,000 structurally deficient bridges. As we’ve noted, there are more such bridges scattered around the country than there are McDonald’s, nearly one in ten bridges.
Transit systems, too, are suffering from decay after a long recession that saw budgets cut to the bone and beyond. Our ports and freight networks need help, too. So, again, we were very pleased to hear the announcement of a focus on the upkeep of our key transportation networks – helping to ensure repair of existing infrastructure remains a priority.
The President’s pledge to put people to working to “fix it first” was a great applause line and brought members of both parties to their feet. We look forward to learning more about the President’s proposal, and hope the applause can be translated into votes.
Given the success that the road lobby still enjoys in states that continue to expand highways while neglecting maintenance, it would be interesting to see how Obama's speech can turn into meaningful action.
Elsewhere on the Network today: Systemic Failure says Stamford, Connecticut, is throwing away a prime transit-oriented development opportunity. Human Transit weighs in on the recent press attention to NYC subway deaths. And Rights of Way reports that Portland, Maine, is the newest city to consider bike-sharing.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Talking Headways Podcast: Charging Up Transportation
This week, we talk to the great Gabe Klein, executive director of President Biden's Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (and a former Streetsblog board member), about curbside electrification.
Why Does the Vision Zero Movement Stop At the Edge of the Road?
U.S. car crash deaths are nearly 10 percent higher if you count collisions that happen just outside the right of way. So why don't off-road deaths get more air time among advocates?
Donald Shoup: Here’s a Parking Policy That Works for the People
Free parking has a veneer of equality, but it is unfair. Here's a proposal from America's leading parking academic that could make it more equitable.
Thursday’s Headlines Turn Up the Heat
Whether you realize it or not, climate change is here, and not just in the form of natural disasters.
Calif. Legislators Tackle AV, School Zone Safety
Are AVs freight trucks ready to be deployed on California roads with no one in them?
