Assessing the Federal Transportation Bill From a Regional and National Perspective

On July 6th President Obama signed into law MAP-21, authorizing and appropriating federal transportation funding through September 2014, and ending years of extensions and political finger-pointing. The Planning Report conducted a joint interview with Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR 3rd District, Member House Budget Committee) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky (and Metro Boardmember) to assess the legislation's implications for transportation investment nationally and regionally. Both elected representatives thoughtfully assess the Bill's provisions and offer insights into the policy choices made and yet to be made.

While MAP-21 has been hailed as a bipartisan success, Congressman Blumenauer points out that transportation advocates should be disappointed on many levels. Both politicians note that significant transportation efforts are being made today at the local level, despite Washington's inability and unwillingness to partner.

Thanks to Kevin Madden