National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission
| Company type | Government commission |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation policy |
| Founded | August 10, 2005 |
| Founder | United States Congress |
| Fate | Completed final report in 2008 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
| Products | Strategic vision and recommendations for U.S. surface transportation |
The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission was created under Section 1909 of the SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59), which President George W. Bush signed into law on August 10, 2005. The commission was tasked with formulating a strategic vision for the United States' surface transportation network, prioritizing its maintenance and improvement to address the demands of the 21st century.
Under Section 1909, the commission was charged with evaluating the current state and projected needs of surface transportation, proposing appropriate roles and programs, and identifying funding strategies for both short-term and long-term horizons. These recommendations were intended to guide the reauthorization process of SAFETEA-LU in 2009.
Commission Activities
To address national transportation challenges comprehensively, the Commission engaged in broad consultations. It benefited from the expertise of a 77-member blue-ribbon panel comprised of specialists from government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions who contributed valuable perspectives and advice.
The Commission organized field hearings across ten cities: Dallas, Portland, Memphis, New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, and Chicago. These hearings featured testimonies from 231 witnesses representing all modes of surface transportation, often accompanied by tours of facilities or discussions tailored to regional issues. Several sessions were held in partnership with prominent transportation industry organizations.
In Washington, D.C., the Commission held 12 formal meetings during which it heard from 62 expert witnesses. Commissioners actively engaged with various stakeholders through conferences, personal meetings, interviews, and published editorials.
A dedicated public website was established to disseminate testimonies and essential information regarding the Commission’s activities.
Final Report
The Commission published its final report on January 15, 2008 (Volumes 1 and 2), which remains accessible via its official website.
The report determined that existing surface transportation programs should not be renewed without significant changes. It advocated for a new Federal policy centered on national priorities that includes:
- An enhanced federal role adapting to evolving national requirements
- Greater investment from both public and private sectors to remedy historical underfunding and meet growing demand
- A commitment to maximizing taxpayer value aligned with national objectives
- Performance-driven federal funding focused on cost-effectiveness and accountability for economic, environmental, and social outcomes
- Comprehensive reforms aimed at eliminating inefficiencies and delays in federally supported projects
Members
The Commission consisted of 12 individuals appointed by the President along with Congressional leaders:
- Mary Peters (chairman), Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation
- Jack Schenendorf (vice chairman), Of Counsel at Covington & Burling
- Frank J. Busalacchi, Secretary of Wisconsin Department of Transportation
- Maria Cino, Former Deputy Secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation
- Rick Geddes, Director of Cornell University’s Department of Policy Analysis and Management
- Steve Heminger, Executive Director of Metropolitan Transportation Commission
- Frank McArdle, Senior Advisor at General Contractors Association of New York
- Steve Odland, Chairman and CEO of Office Depot
- Patrick Quinn, Co-Chairman at U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.
- Matt Rose, CEO of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
- Tom Skancke, CEO of The Skancke Company
- Paul Weyrich, Chairman and CEO of Free Congress Foundation