Report Finds Stimulus Funding Decisions Missed Opportunity to Make Progress on Transportation

Media Contacts

Wisconsin Ranks in Bottom Third

WISPIRG

[Madison,WI] — A new report released today by Smart Growth America, WISPIRG and UEDA based on official data of the states’ American Reinvestment and Recovery Act  transportation funding decisions thus far, found Wisconsin  in the bottom third of the state ranking for allocations that spur long-term growth and capitalize on an opportunity to invest in a 21st century transportation system. The report shows that some states are moving aggressively to make badly needed repairs and prepare for a 21st century transportation system. Others are letting their roads and public transportation deteriorate, adding new capacity while they cannot take care of what they have.

Research cited in the report shows that road and bridge repair generates 16 percent more jobs than new bridge and road construction. By June 15th 389.5 million dollars were allocated to road expansion and preservation projects in Wisconsin. Had this amount been spent solely on preservation Wisconsin would produce, on average, 297 more jobs.  And because repair work can generally be started faster, these jobs would come on-line faster.  Even more stimulative are public transportation investments that produce 31 percent more jobs than construction, which would create 1,463 additional jobs in the state.

The ARRA provided Wisconsin over $529 million in flexible transportation funding—half of it required to be obligated within the first 120 days, by Monday, June 29—through the federal Surface Transportation Program (STP). STP funds can be used by state and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) officials for a wide range of transportation infrastructure projects, including: public transportation capacity, sidewalks, repair and preventive maintenance of bridges and roads, and new and widened roads and highways.

Wisconsin findings

The report, Wisconsin and the Stimulus: Are we using it to create jobs and 21st century transportation?, shows that as of  June 15th, Wisconsin spent $393.6 million with 64% (251.7 million) going to highway system preservation, 35% ($137.8 million) to new capacity and 1% ($4.1 million) to non-motorized related projects such as bike and pedestrian and infrastructure. Of the STP funds which are the most flexible of transportation funds, 0% went to transit.

“State leaders should be commended for the intercity rail investments that they are proposing and for the repair and maintenance that they have addressed.  But, overall this report shows that Wisconsin is continuing the business as usual that has created our transportation challenges, rather than giving us solutions. It is disappointing to see that Wisconsin has missed an opportunity to create more jobs and improve public safety by prioritizing fixing our crumbling roads and bridges and investing in public transportation,” said Bruce Speight of WISPIRG. 

“We could do much better; 47% of Wisconsin’s roads are not in “good” condition, and 1,302 of its bridges are ‘Structurally Deficient,’’ continued Speight.  “Yet given $529 million dollars in stimulus funds, the state and its MPOs have so far chosen to spend $137.8 million dollars on new roads. More road repair would save drivers money from damage to their cars. Poor roads in Wisconsin cost drivers $281/yr.  If we can’t maintain our current system, how will we maintain these new roads?”

When asked in a poll by the National Association of Realtors how they would spend the recovery money, a very strong majority of Americans (80%) said they prefer that stimulus transportation funding be used for repairing roadways and bridges and for public transportation. The public wants a balanced transportation system. Wisconsin, however, used the stimulus largely as a highway program.

National findings

Smart Growth America found that some states, like Massachusetts and Iowa, used the stimulus money to make progress on the kind of transportation system that their communities need for strong economic growth. Other states missed an opportunity to make progress in filling the nation’s urgent transportation needs and creating more jobs, as quickly as possible. These states built new roads rather than repairing existing ones, and missed the chance to invest in the new options their residents really want like safe bus routes and bike paths.  

The states had opportunities to create more jobs, faster: shifting more spending towards repair would create more jobs. Shifting $2 billion more to repair would have produced an average of 4,300 more jobs nationally. And because repair work can generally be started faster, these jobs would come on-line faster.

The stimulus was particularly a repair opportunity given the nation’s enormous bridge and roadway repair backlog and the inadequacy of its public transportation system. The report documents these with recent findings by the American Society of Civil Engineers and American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), including the cost of roads in “poor” condition ($355 per person, nationally) and number of “structurally deficient” bridges (18,722).

“That nationally nearly two-thirds of STP funding has gone to repairing existing roads and bridges is encouraging,” said Geoff Anderson, president of Smart Growth America, “But given our huge road and bridge repair backlog and inadequate public transportation system, $6.6 billion for new highway capacity just doesn’t make sense. It’s like adding a new wing to your house when the roof is falling in.”

“In aggregate the states spent virtually none of their flexible money on these choices, losing the opportunity to shield Americans from future gas price spikes and limiting their freedom to choose how they get around.  In fact we’re seeing the effects of cuts in public transportation right now and it’s often hurting low income and minority populations – the people who most rely on this transportation to get to work, be self-sufficient, and participate in the economy.”

The ARRA provided golden opportunities for states and MPOs to make game-changing plays and invest in the transportation options, like expanded public transportation, that the overwhelming majority of Americans need and support,” stated Anderson. “Unfortunately, most of them are striking out.” Balanced investments are especially important for low-income communities and the elderly to ensure that they can participate in the economic and social mainstream of our society: a transportation system that works for everyone.

“Selection of stimulus transportation projects so far shows how badly we need to change the way states make decisions that affect our commutes, our pocketbooks, and our lives, Anderson concluded. “To make that happen, future federal transportation funding must include clear goals and accountability for reaching those goals.