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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 19, 2007
CONTACT: Jim Frech
jfrech@napawash.org
National Academy of Public Administration Announces Intergovernmental Forum on Transportation Finance
Washington, DC — January 19, 2007 — With the Federal Highway Trust Fund slated to run out of money soon, and growing frustrations over traffic congestion, highway safety and uncertain energy supplies, leaders from across the governmental spectrum are taking action to develop workable strategies to finance the future transportation needs of this country. The National Academy of Public Administration – representing the top organizations of state, local and county officials – today announced the formation of an Intergovernmental Forum on Transportation Finance to identify short- and long-term alternatives to the growing fiscal crisis.
“We are seeking a results-oriented set of recommendations based on sound research and broad public input,” said Academy Fellow Mortimer L. Downey, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Chair of the Forum. “The future productivity and mobility needs of the nation depend on surface transportation. Without a reasonable solution, our long-term economic competitiveness in the world economy is in jeopardy.” Downey was the longest-serving deputy secretary in DOT’s history; he currently is Chair of the Board at PB Consult, Inc.
The Forum is expected to bring together high-level leaders working at all levels of government – federal, state and local – to build collaborative options that will consider the balanced needs of transportation, energy policy, national security and the environment. The Forum will hold a series of public meetings and panels throughout 2007 and will conclude with a final report and specific recommendations. Other Forum members represent the National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, International City/County Management Association and Council of State Governments and designees from the Administration and Congress.
For more information about this Intergovernmental Forum please contact Jim Frech, Director of the Academy’s Center for Intergovernmental Relations, at jfrech@napawash.org.
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The National Academy of Public Administration is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit corporation chartered by Congress to provide trusted advice to government agencies on issues of governance and public management. Under its Congressional charter, the Academy is charged with advancing the effectiveness of government at all levels—federal, state and local. For more information about the National Academy of Public Administration, visit http://www.napawash.org.
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