Title: Six Ideas for Fixing the Nation's Infrastructure Problems
Headings: Six Ideas for Fixing the Nation's Infrastructure Problems
Six Ideas for Fixing the Nation's Infrastructure Problems
Here's how to plan, fund and make a safer, more efficient transportation system.
Revamp the Highway Trust Fund
Get Washington to Take the Issue Seriously
Empower State and Local Governments
Increase Rural Access
Get Cities to Think Big
Make Bridges Smarter
Caroline Cournoyer

Content: For that reason, some state transportation officials are now pushing for a two-year bill instead of a six-year one, with the logic that more funding may become available if they’re willing to wait. For what it’s worth, Florida Rep. John Mica, who chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, vigorously supports a six-year plan. At a recent meeting of state transportation leaders, Mica joked, “Anyone who talks about anything less, I’ll take you outside and beat the crap out of you.” Empower State and Local Governments
States pay for about two-thirds of surface transportation spending. With less money available from the feds, their portion may need to grow -- an increasingly familiar storyline in all areas of funding right now. Given that dynamic, states and localities are asking for more flexibility on how they can spend federal dollars and are endorsing plans that would allow the federal government to leverage the limited funds that are available. One idea that has received bipartisan support is a plan known as America Fast Forward. It’s a proposal to expand a federal program of the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) that provides low-interest loans for transportation projects. The proposal’s biggest cheerleader is Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. In 2008, Angelinos approved a sales-tax hike for a set of highway and transit projects;