Virginia DOT Secretary urges nation to focus on freight.
Press Release Summary:
In Two Minute State DOT Update video, Secretary of Virginia Department of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton, says the time is right for the nation to focus on freight. According to Connaughton, addressing roads, rails, and waterways that connect to ports will relieve congestion, improve productivity, and create jobs. In two minute update, Connaughton also discussed need for greater investment in high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects.
Original Press Release:
Moving Freight and Passenger Rail: Virginia DOT Secretary Talks Priorities
Washington, DC-Couriers, truckers, shippers, and railroad employees are just some of the more than 10 million people in America who owe their livelihoods to the freight transportation industry.
In a new Two Minute State DOT Update video, the Secretary of the Virginia Department of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton, chairman of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on Water Transportation, says the time is right for the nation to focus on freight.
"In an increasingly connected, global economy where a majority of the cargo coming to our borders or leaving them travels by water, we need to start concentrating on the roads, rails, and waterways that connect to our ports," Connaughton said. "Addressing these issues will relieve congestion, improve productivity, and create jobs."
A July 2010 AASHTO report called Unlocking Freight found the transportation systems that support the movement of freight in America are facing a crisis. The report based its conclusion on several factors including:
o The U.S. population reached 308 million in 2010, and is expected to reach 420 million by 2050. A larger population will consume more food, clothing, and other commodities.
o By 2020, the U.S. trucking industry will move three billion more tons of freight than it currently hauls.
o In 20 years, for every two trucks now on the road, there will be an additional one behind it carrying the expected growth in food deliveries, goods, and manufacturing equipment.
o In 40 years, overall freight demand will double, from 15 billion tons today to 30 billion tons by 2050.
Connaughton was appointed U.S. Maritime Administrator by President George W. Bush in 2006. This year AASHTO President Susan Martinovich also appointed Connaughton Chairman of a Special Committee on Intermodal Transportation and Economic Expansion - an umbrella group of 10 state department of transportation CEOs focused on intermodal freight issues.
"In Richmond, Virginia, we're expanding and modernizing our port. All states need to consider these types of investments because not only are we building for tomorrow; the ports currently employ 350,000 people," Connaughton said.
In this two minute update, Connaughton also discussed the need for greater investment in high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects. "Virginia is one of the few states in the country where we know high-speed rail is going to work," Connaughton said.
Watch the full video and other Two Minute State DOT Updates at www.TransportationTV.org.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is the "Voice of Transportation" representing State Departments of Transportation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association serving as a catalyst for excellence in transportation. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aashtospeaks.
©American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
