Itasca County Area Transportation Study
Principal Investigator:
Frank Douma, Research Fellow, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
Project Summary:
While the highway and automobile system developed in the latter half of the 20th century served the country well in that time, it is less well suited to serve the needs of the 21st century. As the baby boom generation ages, its needs change, and the population of the generations filling in behind them differs in many ways. The current population is less physically able, financially able, or simply less willing to rely on automobiles as their primary mode of transportation. While urban areas can adapt to these changing needs by adjusting resources dedicated to a variety of transportation modes, the issues raised in rural areas are much more acute. In 2008, the United Way of 1000 Lakes identified transportation as a key barrier to accessing health and human services in Itasca County, Minnesota. Itasca County is a microcosm of many of the issues raised, as significant portions of its population are elderly and poor. Children and students who are unable to drive face similar mobility challenges. The problem is compounded by Itasca County's large geographic size and relatively small population, making it difficult to provide conventional alternative transportation options. Indeed, the United Way noted that "regularly scheduled, low cost 24/7 public transportation is not available to Itasca County Residents."
As of September 30th, 2009, the research team had held four focus groups, a listening session with stakeholders, and met with the steering committee. Recommendations will be developed in October.
Sponsor:
Project Details:
- Start date: 07/2009
- Project Status: Completed
- Research Area: Planning and Environment
- Topics: None