Infrastructure Repairs: It Takes a Country
February 10th, 2017 | By: Olivia Wolfertz
When it comes to our nation’s infrastructure needs, nobody is unaffected. While lawmakers may authorize funding, the conditions of local roads, bridges and transit impact all Americans.. To make the best decisions with limited funding dollars many state DOTs and other infrastructure owners are seeking community input for improving infrastructure. In Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is seeking ideas for highway alerts that will encourage safe driving through a contest where people can submit safety messages. While this contest does not directly relate to infrastructure funding per say, it acknowledges the DOT’s willingness to listen to and include community input in making roads safer. Arizona isn’t the only state actively seeking community input on infrastructure. In Washington, D.C., DDOT allows residents to request pothole repair services by calling the mayor’s call center or submitting a request online and indicating the location and description of the pothole. In New York City, NYDOT is developing a citywide transit plan to assess the transportation needs of New Yorkers and is soliciting public opinions through a series of public input sessions and an online survey. “With input from the community, the plan will identify citywide needs, values and a shared vision, and then define priorities for enhancing transit service for our neighborhoods and connecting all residents to safe, convenient and reliable public transportation,” said NYDOT on its website. Virginia is another state that involves the community in infrastructure decisions through public hearings, meetings and events for citizens to learn about and give their opinions on transportation projects and issues. It is encouraging that state DOTs are realizing the value of community input in their infrastructure planning decisions. Find out how you can get involved and remember you can always contact your federal and state legislators for issues that can’t be resolved at the local level.Congratulations USDOT Smart Cities Challenge Winner, Columbus!
June 28th, 2016 | By: America's Infrastructure Report Card
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) revealed Columbus, Ohio, was the winner of their Smart Cities Challenge, showcasing an innovative transportation strategy made possible through investment in smart city technology. Like ASCE’s #GameChangers project which shows inspiring examples of innovative trends happening with our nation’s infrastructure, all 77 of the proposals submitted to the Challenge from across the country show how much potential can be unleashed with innovative concepts and new ideas. Columbus’ proposal calls for autonomous transit shuttles between neighborhoods and urban centers, expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, and universal fare cards that allow cardholders to pay for any form of public transit using a variety of payment methods. Columbus and USDOT officials believe these investments will modernize transportation across the city, while opening up greater access to healthcare and jobs for families living in lower income areas. As the winner of the Smart Cities Challenge, Columbus will receive $40 million from USDOT, $10 million from Vulcan, Inc. and $90 million in matching grants from other local private partners to bring their proposal into reality. Raising America’s infrastructure grades starts with great projects like this one in Columbus, but every project should be an opportunity to change the infrastructure game and build the cities of the future. Tell us what’s happening near you to change the infrastructure in, around, and under your city.Department of Transportation Celebrates 50 Years of Safety Innovation
February 8th, 2016 | By: America's Infrastructure Report Card
Established by President Lyndon Johnson, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is now celebrating 50 years of making transportation safer for the traveling public. This month marked the 50th anniversary, where USDOT Secretary Anthony Foxx and six former USDOT Secretaries gathered together in D.C. to share the changes they’ve seen in transportation since the department began. When asked what the most significant advancement in transportation was, all pointed to safety efforts and innovations – whether adding seat belts, eliminating drug abuse, or enhancing the operation of transportation systems. In 50 years, we’ve come a long way, and we’re looking forward to where the next 50 years take us.
