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March 2008
Oberstar Forum: transforming transportation policy
James Oberstar
Federal transportation programs and policy are due for dramatic institutional reform and revamping, according to the recommendations of a national study commission. With SAFETEA-LU expiring next year, what is the potential for such transformation in the next surface transportation bill? National experts will offer their perspectives at the seventh James L. Oberstar Forum on Transportation Policy and Technology April 7 in Minneapolis.
Oberstar, chair of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will open the event with a presentation titled “Transformation of National Transportation Policy for the 21st Century.” Next, Congressman Tim Walz from Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, who serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with Oberstar, is invited to discuss federal transportation policy.
The forum then turns to a panel discussion of the recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. The commission was created by Congress under SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users), the federal surface transportation bill enacted in 2005. The results of its work are available in the recently released report Transportation for Tomorrow. Panelists are Jack Schenendorf, the commission’s vice chair, and commission members Rick Geddes, Steve Heminger, and Matt Rose. A second panel will assess the likelihood of policy transformation. Speakers will include Pete Ruane, president and CEO of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association; John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; and William W. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association.
Congressman Oberstar will provide closing remarks.
The forum is free and open to the public. Space is limited, however, so attendees are encouraged to register.
A brochure is in the mail with further details, and updates will be posted on the Oberstar Forum Web page at www.cts.umn .edu/oberstarforum. For further information, contact Sara Van Essendelft, 612- 624-3708, cceconf5@umn.edu.