Transportation

Position Statements

The Council recognizes that the efficient movement of citizens on our transportation networks of roads, rail, water and air is critical to the long-term livability and economic success of our state.

These networks have combined for more than a century to offer access and trade routes throughout the state with ties to national and international commerce. The Council recognizes that the many regions within our state use these networks in many different ways, and put upon them many different demands. Most routes serve our citizens well, but many are under-maintained and many others are under-developed.

The Council supports the funding of our transportation systems at responsible levels to provide for proper maintenance of our existing networks and to provide for new construction of networks that are not meeting current or projected demand.

For those roadway systems not meeting current demands, the Council supports a balance of funding for:

Expansion of carpool and bus lanes on existing arterial routes
Increase of bus services in and between cities on the edge of urban centers
Construction of light rail services in and between cities on the edge of urban centers
Expansion of heavy rail services and construction of light rail services between urban centers
Maintenance and expansion of ferry systems

Above all else, the Council holds all funds expended on transportation system design and construction should be invested through the private sector in order to bring the best value for the citizens' dollars.

In addition, work must continue that integrates and consolidates the state’s land use and environmental laws into a single, manageable statute administered at the appropriate level of government.