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
Friday’s Headlines Don’t Feel the Need for Speed
Tell me again, which constitutional amendment is it that gives people the right to drive as fast as they want?
Komanoff: IMHO, TMRB is A-OK
Here’s what’s to like about the Traffic Mobility Review Board's central business district toll recommendations. It's a lot!
Talking Headways Podcast: The Sexy World of Bus Speeds
When you start to add up the numbers, you can see why agency leaders would be interesting in finding ways to reduce those costs.
Thursday’s Headlines See Daylight
Daylighting, or removing parking near intersections, is an often overlooked way to improve pedestrian safety.
Why So Many U.S. Drivers Think Speeding Is Perfectly Safe
Do Americans hit lethal speeds because they're in a rush, or because they have no idea that they're increasing their chances of death with every tick of the odometer?
