Transportation professionals are unsung heroes, constantly striving to protect and improve citizens’ quality of life. But in truth, the vital accomplishments of these men and women are limited continuously by the political agendas of our national leaders, as evidenced recently by the 18-month delay of the new transportation authorization bill. While the stimulus package should fund some new designs and restarts during the next allotment, the impact of these projects will be marginal when juxtaposed against the workload requisite to maintain and improve our poorly rated surface transportation system. Without reauthorization, uncertainty and more degradation are certainly in store.

In a recent interview by Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure (RAI) Associate Editor Solomon Lieberman with Jim Berard, director of communications, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Lieberman asked: “The livelihoods of engineers depend in large part on federal funding. Though not as present in the zeitgeist as police officers or firemen, engineers are as important, if not more, to the safety of Americans. What kind of message does an 18-month delay send those engineers, not to mention the thinking public?”

In response Berard said, “This is always the challenge we face when trying to increase our investment in infrastructure. Roads, bridges, transit systems, and the like are a mundane part of our everyday lives. It is only when a system fails — such as the Minneapolis bridge collapse or the recent Metro train crash in Washington — that the public is shocked awake to the fact that our national infrastructure requires continuous care and maintenance. Infrastructure is not fine wine. It does not improve with age. The minute the ribbon is cut, deterioration begins. Structures have a finite lifetime.

“The 18-month delay of the new transportation authorization bill proposed by the Administration and the Senate will only force us to fall further and further behind in our infrastructure needs. The delay does not mean status quo, it only means that problems that exist today will be allowed to deteriorate for another 18 months, at which time they will be even more expensive to address.

“The proposal is simply delay for the sake of delay, and the 18 months could easily stretch to four years. This is not fair to the states and transit agencies who rely on the federal government for transportation funding. It is not fair to the engineers and construction workers who rely on these projects for their livelihoods. And it is not fair to the drivers and passengers who must deal with inadequate transportation systems every day.”

I guess he’s preaching to the choir, but at least it is good to know that sentiments which I assume you share are represented at the national level.

Ironically, even amidst funding delay, the flow of technical information and need-to-know news remains fruitful and unobstructed, as there is always a new design or construction practice, product, code, project delivery method, or other item of interest for bridge and road professionals to follow. This industry is progressing constantly toward a better future, which is refreshing and helps me offset the frustrations of the politicization of the transportation industry.

The quarterly print issues of RAI, as well as our online news and resources, are assets for engineers and other transportation professionals balancing their many priorities. Also, be sure to check out our newly launched website, HubDOT.net, the online hub for departments of transportation professionals. On HubDOT you’ll find targeted news and information about how states and municipalities nationwide are dealing with delay, but still looking toward the future.

Shanon Fauerbach, P.E., sfauerbach@stagnitomedia.com