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TRANSPORTATION GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE A complex network of public and private organizations finances, plans, builds and operates the U.S. transportation system. Every U.S. jurisdiction has an elected legislative body that is broadly responsible for policies, programs and, to some extent, appropriations and program oversight, and an executive branch agency or department that is responsible for highway functions, under the authority of the governor or other lead executive. The structures and functions of these entities, however, vary widely across jurisdictions. Tight budgets in tandem with deteriorating infrastructure are challenging states to develop innovative approaches to governing and financing transportation systems. Meaningful collaboration between state legislatures and state departments of transportation (DOTs)-while honoring appropriate checks and balances-is key to providing the high quality transportation system America needs to thrive. This unprecedented and authoritative analysis of state legislative-DOT interactions in transportation offers a baseline of the current situation, while pointing to ways states can learn from each other. Ideally, as the synthesis of approaches contained herein is absorbed, both legislatures and DOTs will be able to better evaluate how they manage and pay for transportation systems in light of the bigger picture, and to use this information to enhance their organizations, processes, collaborations and outcomes. In the end, greater proficiency in providing key public services creates value for taxpayers and contributes to economic competitiveness and improved quality of life. This study-with its comprehensive state-by-state profiles and in-depth comparative synthesis- will aid the states in furthering such proficiency in transportation. | |||
"The report's sometimes frank and direct findings offer an illuminating look at how differently DOT officials and legislators view their roles in addressing the states' difficult and growing transportation needs." --Jennifer Jones, Assistant Director, Texas Sunset Advisory Commission and NCSL-AASHTO Task Force Co-Chair | "States face well-documented challenges in providing and paying for transportation systems. This report offers hope by detailing alternative approaches that may inspire creative solutions, and it deserves in-depth study by legislators and DOT officials alike." -Senator Bruce Starr, Oregon | ||
"We know firsthand in Kansas how important it is to have a healthy relationship between the legislature and DOT officials, especially when advocating for funding in tough economic times. This report is deep with information and original research that can help guide any state to the ends they seek." -Joseph Erskine, Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration, Kansas Department of Transportation and NCSL-AASHTO Task Force Co-Chair | "This report is a valuable source book for how transportation "gets done" across the 50 states-a digest of the multiple ways that DOTs and legislatures collaborate to govern, finance and ultimately deliver America's transportation system. " -Roberta Broeker, Chief Financial Officer, | ||
"As states struggle to secure much-needed transportation funding, it is important that policy makers and their staffs have a convenient resource available to identify alternative transportation funding, governance and accountability models from other states around the country. This report is that long-sought resource." -Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Washington | "A strong relationship and effective communications between state legislators and DOT executives are critical in making sound transportation policy decisions. This report documents best practices and is a useful guide for legislators and transportation professionals." -Lee Munnich, Director, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota | ||
Item # 051211TRN |
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| ISBN 978-1-58024-630-9 |
