Transportation Investment Coalition Responds To Today’s Commission Report On Funding Options

Contact:
Colin Durrant
CLF Director of Communications, (617)850-1722

BOSTON, MA (September 17, 2007) – The Transportation Investment Coalition, a diverse, statewide group of over 20 business, environmental, labor, public interest and planning organizations, today responded to the Transportation Finance Commission’s soon-to-be-released funding report by saying that revenue and non-revenue options must remain on the table if the state wants to close its $15-$19 billion funding gap for maintaining and operating the state’s roads, bridges and public transit.

In a letter to Legislators and Governor Patrick the groups said, “Strong leadership will be required to address our transportation finance woes. We look to you to carefully analyze the full range of options provided in the upcoming Commission report to determine which are most appropriate, and to consider ideas beyond the Commission report if necessary.”

The Coalition added, “Fixing the problem this year will save us millions in future years and help ensure the safety of the Commonwealth’s residents and the on-going economic activity that depends on our transportation network. Of course, filling the maintenance gap alone will not be sufficient. Strategic expansions and improvements are also needed to foster economic growth and sustain a healthy environment.”

Click here to download the letter to Legislature: http://www.clf.org/uploadedFiles/Final_9_07_TIC%20Letter.pdf

STATEWIDE COALITION MEDIA CONTACTS:
– Richard Dimino , A Better City , 617-557-7352 or 617-557-7319
– Phil Warburg, President and Carrie Russell, Staff Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation. Contact Colin Durrant at 617-416-2187
– Tim Brennan, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 413-781-6045
– Abbie Goodman, American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts , 617-305-4112
– David Begelfer, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, 781-453-6900, ext 1
– Marc Draisen, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, 617-451-2770
– Patricia Mikes , Massachusetts Municipal Association, 617-426-7272 x131
– Stephanie Wasser, Urban Land Institute, 617-938-6466
– Gene Benson, Alternatives for Community and Environment, 617-442-3343
– Eric Bourassa, MASSPIRG, 617-747-4314
– Joe Dorant , Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers & Scientists, 617-367-2727 x310

About the Transportation Investment Coalition:

To meet mobility needs, foster economic growth, create jobs, increase economic competitiveness and sustain a healthy environment, the Massachusetts Transportation Investment Coalition advocates for an efficient, equitable and effective transportation system for the Commonwealth. The Coalition supports legislation, programs and policies to adequately fund the repair and maintenance of the Commonwealth’s existing transportation system, as well as investment in strategic expansion and enhancement projects.

Coalition members:

  • A Better City
  • AAA Southern New England
  • Alternatives for Community and Environment
  • Associated Industries of Massachusetts
  • American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts
  • Boston Society of Architects
  • Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section/ASCE
  • Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association
  • Conservation Law Foundation
  • Construction Industries of Massachusetts
  • Environmental League of Massachusetts
  • Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston
  • Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations
  • Massachusetts Building Trades Council, AFL-CIO
  • Massachusetts Motor Transportation Association
  • Massachusetts Municipal Association
  • Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists
  • Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance
  • MBTA Advisory Board
  • MassCommute
  • MASSPIRG
  • Metropolitan Area Planning Council
  • NAIOP Massachusetts (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties)
  • Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
  • The Engineering Center
  • Urban Edge
  • ULI Boston