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An Intergovernmental Forum has been established to address the financing of surface transportation within the U.S. (established in December 2006).
Intergovernmental Forums bring public administration leaders from all levels of government -- federal, state and local--together in a comprehensive study (click on the link to see news items and research reports of interest to this Intergovernmental Forum) and informed dialogue process on topics of concern that require the cooperation of all levels of government. The Intergovernmental Forum process was established through a cooperative effort of the constituency organizations for state and local governments with participation from Congress and the Administration.
Individuals are designated by these organizations and serve as individuals in a study-based effort to provide solution-oriented recommendations. Principals are to be designated by the Forum itself, to gain critical expertise, and from the following:
- National Academy of Public Administration
- National Governors Association
- National Conference of State Legislatures
- Council of State Governments
- National Association of Counties
- NationalHouse and Senate representatives
- Federal Administration
This Intergovernmental Forum: Transportation Finance principals were designated in January and February. The Chair, Academy Fellow, Mortimer L. Downey, was designated by the Academy’s President. Mr. Downey is the Chairman of the Board of Pb Consult, Inc. and formerly served in senior positions in government including as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The future productivity and mobility needs of the Nation depend on the surface transportation afforded by the four million miles of roads, the 586,000 bridges, and the nation’s transit systems. These transportation assets are owned, governed and managed predominantly by the public’s governments at the state and local level with substantial federal government interest in their successful maintenance and improvement. All levels of government face a decline in the motor-fuels tax base while investment demands mount from the growth in the population and the economy. New means of financing and developing projects are being innovated. Concerns about energy policy, national security, and the environment will also need to be considered as the Principals of this Intergovernmental Forum seek short and long-term governance policies and agreements for financing the surface transportation system within the U.S.
The Intergovernmental Forum: Transportation Finance has already begun its research work to provide support to the Principals’ deliberations. An Experts Group has been formed to provide advice to the Intergovernmental Forum. In addition to the inputs from the Experts Group, the Intergovernmental Forum’s working staff is seeking the input of a number of other experts through interviews and individual dialogues and will produce issue briefs and other briefing materials. Forum Principals will also take public testimony to aid them with their deliberations (these meetings will be announced when scheduled). This Intergovernmental Forum effort is expected to end in June 2007 followed by the release of its summary report and recommendations.
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