The Commission was authorized by Section 1909 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act-A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). According to the statute, the Commission is charged with completing a comprehensive study of the national surface transportation system and the Highway Trust Fund, then developing a conceptual plan, with alternative approaches, to ensure that this system continues to serve the needs of the United States.
The study required an assessment of the current condition and performance of the Interstate System and the future of the Interstate System, based on a range of legislative and policy approaches for 15-, 30-, and 50-year time periods. The study looked at numerous factors that could determine the future of the system, including demographic and economic changes, the expected use of the surface transportation system, and the potential for expansion, upgrades, or other changes.
Yes. The statute specifically required the Commission to consult work already completed by the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation, the Transportation Research Board, and other entities.
Absolutely. The ten field hearings helped further educate Commissioners on the challenges faced by different parts of the country. Commissioners heard observations and suggestions from hundreds of witnesses. Additionally, many people who did not testify at a hearing have submitted comments via the Commission website.
Yes. Anyone could submit input to the Commission through the email address at info@transportationfortomorrow.org. The Commission also held field hearings around the country to learn about issues unique to different regions and to hear ideas about the future of the transportation system.
Wherever possible, presentations and testimony from the field hearings have been included on the Commission Web Site. Simply click on “Information Central.”
The Commission includes 12 members. One is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who chairs the Commission. Three members are appointed by the President; two by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; two by the U.S. House minority leader; two by the U.S. Senate majority leader; and two by the U.S. Senate minority leader.
Congress is actively following the activities of the Commission, and the report is expected to provide information that would be useful as Congress considers the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU in 2009.
The financing commission is a separate commission established under a different section of SAFETEA-LU.. Information can be found at this website: http://financecommission.dot.gov/.
