Grading Obama's Approach to Transportation

Was Obama's top transportation achievement his decision to name Ray LaHood as U.S. DOT secretary? That's the argument Tanya Snyder makes in evaluating the President's hits and misses regarding transportation policy.

1 minute read

November 4, 2012, 1:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

The White House. / The White House

In addition to the selection of LaHood, who "has proven to be a genuine reformer," Snyder singles out the creation of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, establishment of the TIGER program, and modest gains in High Speed rail, for praise.

And while his proposed $556 billion transportation bill "looked like a step in the right direction," "the administration's unwillingness to engage with Congress to find a viable revenue stream doomed [the] proposal."

"So maybe that's the story of Obama's presidency," concludes Snyder, "when it comes to transportation: big ideas, not enough follow-through."

FULL STORY: What Has President Obama Done to Improve American Transportation Policy?

Friday, November 2, 2012 in Streetsblog D.C.

Government / Politics Transportation United States High-Speed Rail Ray LaHood President Obama TIGER Partnership for Sustainable Communities View More

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