Welcome to the FastLane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation

FAA, Oshkosh AirVenture are natural partners

Last week, I reported that on July 17, the Lincoln Municipal Airport in Nebraska was the world's busiest airport. This week, that honor goes to Wittman Regional Airport, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, home of AirVenture 2010.

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) calls AirVenture, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," and they are not exaggerating: through this Sunday, more than 10,000 aircraft are expected.

Logging some simulator time with FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, a pilot since age 16. Photo Laurie Zaleski, FAA

Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt invited me to join him in Oshkosh yesterday, and I'm sure glad I did. AirVenture was phenomenal!

Together, we watched the famous air show--spectacular!--toured the grounds and saw the A4 Skyhawk, the F4 Phantom, a variety of light sport aircraft, and a restored Eastern Airlines DC 7B. We even saw a couple of electric-powered planes and a real-life flying car.

Special 75th anniversary fly-ins included DC-3's--the first aircraft to fly passengers coast-to-coast--and B-17's--the famed "Flying Fortress" of World War II. I particularly enjoyed the Warbirds area, where EAA honors our veterans with an amazing collection of military aircraft dating back to World War I.

Visiting the Warbirds. Photo Laurie Zaleski, FAA

Then, there was KidVenture, an area where young people can build model rockets or balsa planes and fly in a high-tech simulator. KidVenture also features engaging programs to get kids interested in flying, air traffic control and next generation technology. It was great to see the kids' excitement, and Randy and I spotted many future pilots and air traffic controllers in the crowd.

Our FAA is also an important part of AirVenture. Throughout the week, the agency will host dozens of forums on a variety of safety-related issues. There are topics on little-known facts about visual and instrument flight rules, mistakes that pilots make and subjects such as “The Engine Failure: A Survival Guide” and “Cloudy Skies/Clear Judgment.”

And the crowds are impressive. The hundred or so seats each forum holds are often packed to standing-room-only levels. Mike Adragna, a pilot who has been attending AirVenture--and the FAA safety forums--for 25 years, said:

“They used to have fans instead of air conditioning. It was even worth sitting in the heat. I think the forums are the most useful presentations at Oshkosh.”

High-speed rail to connect Madison and Milwaukee, but Watertown's access may be the real story

It's no accident that whenever I speak about high-speed rail in America, I speak of President Obama's vision.

Because vision is exactly what it takes to see the potential value of American passenger rail. And vision is exactly what Governor Jim Doyle and Mayors Ron Krueger of Watertown and Dave Cieslewicz of Madison have demonstrated with their aggressive approach to high-speed rail in Wisconsin.

So today I was pleased to visit Watertown and sign an agreement providing $46.5 million in Recovery Act money to continue work on the state’s rail program. This is the latest installment from the $822 million that President Obama announced for Wisconsin high-speed rail in January.

Wisconsin's leaders understand that passenger rail is more than just a way to get from one place to another.

Biennial of the Americas seeks answers to tough energy, climate challenges

Today was a great day to be in Colorado. First, I toured a Federal Railroad Administration facility--the work the FRA crew is doing there really deserves its own blog post, so stay tuned for that one next week.

Then, I learned about an exciting new municipal bike-sharing program in Denver with 43 bike stations and more than 400 bikes spread around the city. Mayor Hickenlooper and I even had a chance to test the system by checking out a pair of bicycles and riding them to another station.

But what really drew me to Denver was the Biennial of the Americas, a month-long celebration of the Western Hemisphere. I was there for the Americas Roundtable on Energy and Climate Change: Designing Answers for Today's Challenges and to discuss how DOT is working to manage those challenges.

Why is a Transportation Secretary at an energy and climate change roundtable? Because the transportation sector accounts for two-thirds of of US oil use and contributes about one-third of our greenhouse gas emissions. In other words, transportation professionals have a special obligation to take action. The good news is that transportation's pressure on these twin problems creates an obvious opportunity for our sector to help work toward solutions.

Guest blogger: Deputy Secretary John Porcari Summertime means construction, jobs for Ohioans

Few things say summer like a state fair. And, as a graduate from the nearby University of Dayton, I was thrilled to take part in today's opening of the 157th Ohio State Fair with Governor Ted Strickland. 

A proud Buckeye tradition, the Ohio State Fair has delighted locals and visitors since 1850. Last year alone, over 800,000 people turned out to take part in the livestock competitions, concerts, rides, and butter sculptures that make up a true state fair experience. 

But, summertime doesn't just mean fun times on the fairgrounds--it's also construction season. Just last month, President Obama and Secretary LaHood were only a few miles from the Ohio Expo Center to break ground on the Recovery Act's 10,000th road project. 

While he was there, the President said: "If we're going to rebuild America's economy, we have to rebuild America, period." Work crews across Ohio and across America are doing just that.

The Summer of Recovery is in full swing.

For Ohio, this means more than $1.1 billion for 470 road, bridge, transit and airport projects that will move people and goods across the state more safely and efficiently than ever before.

2nd National Distracted Driving Summit to build on last year's momentum

From the powerful momentum of last year's distracted driving summit, we've seen some important efforts emerge in the fight against this deadly epidemic. But we're not about to rest now.

That's why we're hosting a second National Distracted Driving Summit on September 21 here in Washington, DC. By getting the best minds together, we think we can figure out effective ways to get people to put down their phones and pay attention to the road.

So, we're gathering transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry representatives, researchers, and people affected by distraction-related crashes. We're going to put our heads together, and we're going to share the latest research, technology, policy, public outreach, and enforcement practices.

And when we're done with the summit, we're going to continue working to put an end to the thousands of needless deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving each year.

DOT expands internship program to get more women working in transportation

I have to tell you about a most extraordinary young woman.

Chanel Johnson is a rising transportation star.  Even though she's only entering her sophomore year of college, she's already decided to major in math and mechanical engineering.  She's completed an internship in the Office of Road Design at the Georgia Department of Transportation.  And she's spending the summer here with us in Washington at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a safety defect engineer.

Chanel Johnson at the Women's Small Business Day at DOT Headquarters. 

You see, Chanel is part of a transportation pilot training program at Spelman College that DOT began last September.  It is designed to encourage young women to pursue careers in transportation by matching them with relevant internships in their areas.  And because of success stories like Chanel's, I was pleased to announce an expansion of this program at yesterday's Women's Small Business Day at DOT headquarters.

Even though women are an essential part of today's labor force, they're extremely underrepresented in the transportation industry.  This internship program is designed to change that.  We're expanding from one region of the country to ten, so that wherever a young woman is enrolled, from California to Maine, there's a DOT Small Business Transportation Research Center nearby.  These Centers will provide resources, technical assistance, and outreach to all 50 states and U.S. territories.  

(From left to right) Secretary LaHood, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Christina
Tchen, Chanel Johnson, DOT Deputy Chief of Staff Marlise Streitmatter, and OSDBU Director Brandon Neal.

FAA receives Airport Consultants Council 2010 Agency Best Practices Award

With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, one of our main priorities here at DOT has been getting money out the door quickly.  With the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression hitting American families hard, we worked to identify shovel-ready projects across the country that would put people back to work while rebuilding our infrastructure. 

That's why I'm proud to see the Federal Aviation Administration was recently recognized by the Airport Consultants Council with the 2010 Agency Best Practices Award for the administration of FAA Recovery Act grants.  The FAA exceeded deadlines set by Congress to obligate half of the $1.1 billion in airport grants within 120 days and the remainder by February 11, 2010.  In fact, the FAA designated the last airport Recovery Act grant by December 30, 2009 - a full six weeks early!

 

Of course, the FAA couldn't have done it alone.  They coordinated with various regional and district airport offices to develop a list of eligible projects and prepare for the administration of grants.  This partnership at the federal and local level ensured that Recovery Act dollars could be efficiently and effectively distributed, with 362 projects at 335 airport locations already underway or complete.

The numbers alone don't tell the whole story.  These projects have a direct effect on people's lives.  They're replacing dated infrastructure and making safety improvements at airports large and small.  And, most importantly, more than 3,000 jobs have been created because of the FAA's Recovery Act grants.  Jobs like Bill Montgomery's:

I join the Airport Consultants Council in congratulating the FAA for helping to make the Recovery Act such a success.  We don't need awards, but it's always nice to be recognized.  And I know that we'll continue to keep setting high standards for how we do business. 

Small business conference highlights opportunities for veterans

While I was in Las Vegas last week at Netroots Nation, I had the opportunity to speak at the 6th Annual National Veteran Small Business Conference & Expo.  Each year, it brings together thousands of attendees from Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, federal agencies and departments, and prime contractors to share best practices on how to do business together. 

Let me tell you, it was an honor to talk with these men and women.  They have dedicated their lives to the protection and defense of the United States.  And in their role as small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professional leaders who create jobs and fuel our economy, their service to this country continues.

 

I was joined by one such business leader at the conference.  As a Naval officer, Heidi Gerding was responsible for training linemen to build underwater mines to foil enemy ships.  That was a tough job - but no tougher than building an IT and consulting company from scratch.

Over ten years, Heidi - a service-disabled veteran - has built her business, HeiTech Services, into a $40 million enterprise with 500 employees.  She's won contracts with 13 Federal agencies and is one of DOT's most innovative IT service providers.

That's the kind of success story the Department of Transportation wants to help replicate.  And we're doing just that with a variety of programs designed to benefit veteran-owned businesses.

Duluth Seaway Port Authority honored with Pacesetter Award

If you ask people to think about how goods get transported into, out of, and around America, the image that usually pops into their head is the freight rail lines that crisscross the country or the huge tractor trailers driving on the highway.  However, one of the most out-of-sight methods of hauling cargo is also the most important: maritime transportation.

As I've blogged before, the St. Lawrence Seaway is an essential gateway that moves cargo between North America and international markets.  Seaway commerce sustains an estimated 150,000 jobs, $4.3 billion in personal income, and $3.4 billion in business revenues each year for the regional economy. 

 

And since opening for the season in March, the Seaway has reported a marked increase in freight shipped.  In fact, as of June 21, cargo volumes on the Seaway remain almost 20% ahead of the pace set last year.  This is great news, since a thriving Seaway is vital to the health of the U.S. economy. 

One of the reasons for this surge is the impressive work being done by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.  In the 2009 navigation season, they shipped 1.9 million metric tons of cargo through the Seaway - a 16% increase over the year before.  That's a lot goods!  And that's why DOT's Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) recognized them this week with their 10th prestigious Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award.

Across America, the momentum against distracted driving grows

Since DOT's Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. last fall, I've been on a rampage against texting while driving.  Too many people still mistakenly believe that they can drive and talk or text at the same time.  

On Tuesday, FocusDriven's Jennifer Smith and I spoke with CNN about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of enforcement for the texting bans that are already on the books.

But, we're not the only ones speaking out.  Our sense of urgency is spreading, and the momentum against distracted driving is building across America.

Police began a week-long "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other" campaign in Syracuse, NY on Thursday, and one will kick off in Hartford, CT on Saturday.  These enforcement waves will crack down on drivers who are talking and texting on their cell phones.  When we launched these twin pilot programs back in April, police ticketed nearly4,000 people over the course of just one week.

States are taking action, too.  On July 1st, Iowa's texting while driving ban took effect.  Similar laws in Nebraska and Kentucky went into effect last Thursday.  In South Dakota, the Yankton Press & Dakotan called on the state legislature to follow the example of their neighboring states by passing a texting ban.  In Tuesday's editorial, they said: "Sending text messages while driving creates unacceptable risks."

And at DOT, we're continuing to get the word out.  On Tuesday, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland spoke about distracted driving at the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority conference in Palm Springs, CA.  Sigma Gamma Rho, a historically black international sorority, worked with DOT back in 2003 to promote the "Buckle Up America" campaign among its network of more than 500 chapters.  They've pledged to work with us again to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving.

Netroots Nation puts focus on listening, engagement & representation

Who would have ever thought that a Republican from Peoria would end up at a progressive bloggers conference in Las Vegas?

I just finished speaking on a panel at Netroots Nation, an annual conference for online progressive activists which attracts some of the best and brightest minds in politics and policy today.  I was joined by David Alpert from Greater Greater Washington, Duncan (Atrios) Black from Eschaton, and Radhika Fox from PolicyLink.

 

My fellow panelists and I had an engaging discussion about DOT's top priorities and the future of transportation planning.  The moderator and the audience asked great questions on a variety of important topics, including livability, transit operating assistance, high speed rail, and more.

I had a chuckle when I saw that our panel was called "Bikes, trains, stimulus, and the Obama Cabinet's biggest surprise."  Because I'm often still surprised to be where I am - a grandfather of nine with a blog, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account. 

But, I'm proud of the community we've built here, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read, comment, and share their experiences with me.  It's amazing to see how the internet has helped open up the conversation, making it easier than ever before for regular folks to have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them.

Since taking on this job, I've done a lot of listening.  When I travel around the country, people stop to tell me about what they need from their transportation systems.  They ask for more affordable, more efficient, and more sustainable options for getting from one place to another.  They ask for investments in highways and bridges, sidewalks and bike paths, and transit, commuter, and light rail lines.  They ask for the best safety protections and regulations that will ensure their loved ones make it home in one piece every night.

These are the conversations that shape my decisions as the Secretary of Transportation.  And I'm proud of the work we've done so far.

The Recovery Act: Rebuilding America from coast to coast

Since becoming the Secretary of Transportation, I've spent a lot of time on the road.  But, if there's one person at DOT who's racked up just as many frequent flyer miles as I have, it's Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. 

On the heels of his trip to Atlanta to check on progress at the Mitchell Street Bridge, Administrator Mendez visited two projects on opposite coasts this week that are proof positive of the difference the Recovery Act is making in communities across America.

FHWA Administrator Mendez speaks with Gabe Klein, Director of DDOT, at the Eastern Avenue Bridge site.  

On Tuesday, Administrator Mendez dropped by a truly remarkable project site right here in Washington, D.C.  The Eastern Avenue Bridge, which carries traffic over Kenilworth Avenue (DC-295), is being rebuilt using prefabricated bridge decks and piers that are engineered off-site and assembled together on location - similar to building blocks.  The use of this technology ensures that driver disruptions in the District are kept to a minimum.  And best of all, it has decreased overall construction time from two years to less than one.

The benefits of this project for local D.C. residents can't be underestimated.  When the new bridge is completed in October, it will improve access between neighborhoods and provide a safer route for getting around.  And drivers won't be the only ones celebrating: the bridge design comes with better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and incorporates new green space that everyone can enjoy.

Workers assemble prefabricated bridge deck and piers at the Eastern Avenue Bridge. 

This project was made possible by $9.6 million in Recovery Act money and a $1 million FHWA grant that awards innovative approaches that reduce congestion and improve safety during construction.  Known as "Highways for LIFE," the program encourages states to build roads faster while making them last longer and less costly to maintain.

DOT celebrates 20 years of progress under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Yesterday, DOT headquarters played host to the 20th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  It was an honor to pay tribute to the landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability and opened up a new world of equality and opportunity for countless Americans.

Looking back on it now, it's hard to believe where we were just two decades ago.  Too many Americans were being denied the rights so many of us take for granted - to pursue an education, to find a fulfilling job, and to fully participate in a community.  Many with disabilities couldn't get off the curb, let alone on a bus or commuter train.  In fact, almost all fixed route transportation systems - whether road, rail, or air - were inaccessible to the people that could benefit from them most.

(From left to right) John Benison, Secretary LaHood, and Peggy Griffin listen to Richard Devylder,
Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation, speak at the ADA 20th anniversary event.

But, since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we've made some significant strides forward.  Because the ADA mandated complimentary paratransit services, more Americans can get from one place to another.  We now see ramps cut from sidewalks, and elevators marked with Braille. Schoolhouse and workplace doors open with the touch of a button.

These accomplishments, and many more, are a tribute to the advocates who waged the fight for equality on the streets, in the halls of government, and in courtrooms across America.  I got to pay tribute to one of these pioneers when I presented the 2010 DOT Universal Accessible Transportation Award to the late Charles Sabatier, Jr. during Tuesday's ceremony.  Charles' wife, Peggy, was on hand to accept his award and recount her husband's efforts to expand accessibility for all persons with disabilities.

FAA supports Cessna Airlift of Special Olympics athletes to and from 2010 USA National Games in Lincoln, NE

This week, Lincoln, Nebraska, is hosting the Special Olympics USA National Games. They will feature more than 3,000 athletes from all over America, athletes who have faced difficult challenges on their road to these games. But, one challenge these stars won't need to worry about is getting to the games and getting home.

That's because Cessna, with the support of our Federal Aviation Administration, is sponsoring the sixth Special Olympics airlift. And this year's Honorary Chairman of the Cessna Airlift is actor and pilot Harrison Ford.

The first part of this airlift--last Saturday--went off without a hitch. About every two minutes for more than ten straight hours, a Cessna Citation business jet carrying Special Olympics athletes from 28 different states touched down at Lincoln Municipal Airport. At the end of the day, these volunteer pilots had flown in more than 800 athletes.

And, for this ten-hour period, with 165 business jets landing, Lincoln was the world's busiest airport.

Now, that kind of sustained flurry of activity needs more than just pilots. It requires two years of preparation. It requires 165 donated airplanes and the fuel to fly them. It requires volunteers to help athletes get from the planes to the terminal.

And, it requires a special temporary, mobile control tower. That's where the FAA comes in.

The FAA also provided extra staffing in the main air traffic control tower, plus the staff manning the mobile tower--dubbed "Dove Control" for the "Dove" call sign being used by the airlift planes.

It all adds up to the world's largest peacetime airlift, and I am truly proud of the FAA's participation in this terrific event.

I wish the many athletes competing this week great success, and I thank the 8,000 volunteers, the 1,000 coaches, and the 15,000 supportive family members and friends for making these games possible.

And next Saturday, when the games have ended, I hope all the pilots and controllers of the massive airlift out of Lincoln enjoy another safe and smooth day.

Mitchell St. Bridge demolition clears the way for jobs, smoother travel in Atlanta

As I recently blogged, this summer is shaping up to be the most active Recovery Act season yet. Across the country, Americans are getting back to work on important local projects that had previously been at a standstill due to lack of funding.

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez visited one of these projects last Friday when he traveled to Atlanta to witness the demolition of the Mitchell Street Bridge. Construction of a replacement bridge will get underway soon.

FHWA Administrator Mendez talks with city and state officials in Atlanta.

Although the new bridge isn’t expected to open until 2012, this project is already fulfilling President Obama's pledge to support good jobs, improve our national infrastructure, and create new opportunities for local economic growth.

Until recently, the Mitchell Street Bridge, a key crossing over the Norfolk Southern railroad, had been helping Atlanta residents get around since 1924. But, back in March 2008, Georgia officials were forced to close the bridge to all traffic. Structural deficiencies had made it unsafe for travel. 

Now, this was a real blow to the people in Atlanta. They lost a vital connection to the downtown area that was used by thousands of commuters, trucks, and transit buses each day. And there just wasn’t enough money available in the budget to make the necessary fixes that would get this bridge up and running again.

Mendez meets with workers in front of the Mitchell Street Bridge site.

But, because of $8.8 million in Recovery Act money, things are looking up for Atlantans. Friday's demolition clears the way for the construction of a better, safer bridge that will ease congestion and improve access to downtown attractions like the Atlanta Federal Center, the Georgia Dome, and the CNN Center.

Transportation is a public health issue; DOT doing its part to keep kids moving

Earlier this year, First Lady Michelle Obama established Let's Move, a program with the ambitious and important goal of ending childhood obesity within a generation. And yesterday, a conference called "Keeping Kids Moving" examined the ways transportation policy can help America achieve that goal.

The sad truth is this: today, 32% of children in the US are overweight or obese. That means one in every three of our nation's children are at risk for serious health conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and stroke.

That's why Dwayne Proctor, Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Childhood Obesity Team, sounded the alarm in his opening remarks: "This could be the first generation in America to live sicker and die younger than their parents."

America is beginning to understand that childhood obesity is a national problem. And we need to look for solutions wherever we can find them.

At DOT, we know transportation can be part of the solution, because the way people travel shapes our communities and affects our levels of physical activity. We recognize that transportation is a public health issue.

Yesterday, DOT Undersecretary Roy Kienitz talked about how transportation decisions that value things like "vehicle throughput" instead of pedestrian safety affect America's communities. And about how transit decisions that emphasize "minutes-saved" pit outlying suburban commuters against their inner-lying urban neighbors. Recognizing that those policies have had an effect on public health, he said, "Transportation is about more than engineering."

But, as Undersecretary Kienitz told yesterday's meeting, DOT has taken steps to fix the formula and find a different approach.

Guest blogger RITA Administrator Peter Appel: NYC project uses off-hour deliveries to fight gridlock; a safe, effective model for cities across America

It’s an all-too-familiar scene in America’s urban communities: bustling city blocks are paralyzed by bumper-to-bumper traffic, as frustrated commuters and commercial vehicles try to navigate gridlocked intersections. Congestion is not only a growing problem; it’s also a costly one—robbing us of time and productivity, harming the environment, and hurting the bottom lines of businesses. 

There is no better example of this issue than in New York City. A thriving urban center and American icon of the global marketplace, NYC’s economy and quality of life is threatened by growing, pervasive congestion.

However, a pioneering project called the Off Hour Delivery Program has shown tremendous potential for getting New York moving again.  Developed through a DOT-sponsored collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rutgers University, ALK Technologies, and New York University, this program explored the impact of commercial trucks making their deliveries during off-peak hours.

In Manhattan alone, there are over 100,000 freight deliveries each day. Much of those are wholesale, retail, and food shipments, which may not require daytime delivery. So an off-hours delivery solution that reduces truck idling and frees up curb space makes sense for many shippers and businesses.

And the results have been very promising: the data indicate that this schedule change is already easing gridlock along some of the most congested corridors in NYC. It's also helping businesses reduce costs. The Epoch Times reported that, "In some instances, the nighttime delivery trucks experienced an improvement in speed by as much as 75% as well as a significant reduction in parking fines."

RITA Administrator Peter Appel (far left) listens to NYC Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. Courtesy NYC DOT

Earlier this month, I attended a ceremony held by the NYC Department of Transportation, recognizing DOT, and others for “Leadership in Sustainability” in this groundbreaking project. Thus far, 25 businesses, including Foot Locker, Sysco, Whole Foods Market, and eight trucking companies, have participated. But the event also launched a campaign to encourage more businesses to sign on and see improved bottom lines.

This pilot effort is supported by years of research from the Research and Innovative Technologies Administration’s Remote Sensing Program, which looks at ways of using remote sensing technology to attack various transportation problems from freight congestion to road maintenance to clogged border crossings.

Guest blogger: NHTSA Administrator David Strickland: Vince and Larry go to the Smithsonian; we can still learn a lot from a dummy

On behalf of Secretary LaHood and the entire Department of Transportation, it was my pleasure today to transfer the original Vince and Larry crash test dummy costumes to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Watch video of Vince and Larry crashing the party (about 38 seconds into the clip) at the Smithsonian

There may be later generations of crash test dummies that are more lifelike and have better technology, but it's hard to imagine any anthropomorphic test devices--that's the technical term for these dummies--having a greater impact on safety than Vince and Larry. From 1985 to 1998, they promoted seat belt use in countless public service announcements and posters. And they remain two of the most effective public safety ambassadors in automotive history.

They did their job effectively, too. Because, during that time, public opinion about seat belt use reversed itself, and thousands of lives have been saved.

With Museum Director Brent Glass and Diane Steed, former NHTSA Administrator at the birth of the Vince and Larry campaign

In 1968, when every new car in America came equipped with seat belts, only 10% of motorists used them. Today, we're up to a record high of 84%. Thanks to Vince and Larry, and the outreach of NHTSA and our safety partners, Americans have embraced the lifesaving benefits of buckling up.

But, along the way, Vince and Larry became more than just safety ambassadors; they became part of our culture. That's why I am so happy to see them assume a place in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Now they are a true piece of Americana. This is a moment of pride for everyone at DOT.

In Lebanon, in America, no solutions without civility

In 1895, my grandfather, then 17, made his way from the small mountain town of Aitou, Lebanon, all the way to Peoria, Illinois. It has been over 115 years since he began that long journey, and since then the LaHood family has fixed its roots firmly in American soil. But it is still a pleasure to return to Lebanon the land that instilled its strong values--faith, hard work, responsibility--in my grandfather.

And two weeks ago, it was a particular pleasure to visit Lebanon and address the graduating class of 2010 at Holy Spirit University of Kasilik. The Holy Spirit University is an institution my grandfather would be proud of--it seeks to graduate leaders who "assume full responsibility for the consequences of their actions."

One aspect of its mission is particularly dear to me: "Building a society where tolerant individuals revere freedom of expression and thought, and cooperate regardless of divisive constraints. Building a community where respecting others and their beliefs prevails."

Now, it's no secret that I dislike the bitter intolerance that has developed in American political culture. I've blogged about it here; I've discouraged it on my Facebook page; and I've worked against it throughout my career. But, as relevant as Holy Spirit University's emphasis on respecting others may seem to American politics, it is absolutely crucial preparation for students in Lebanon, a republic built on the fault lines of Middle East politics.

So I spoke to the class of 2010 about one of the qualities that has helped the US maintain our democracy for 234 years--civility.

I’ve been involved in politics for much of my professional life. And I know that good people disagree on how to face educational, social, economic, and environmental challenges. That's okay, because serious debate--a vigorous back and forth--is a sign of healthy political institutions.

But when policy disputes slip into partisan--and personal--acrimony, we close the door to deliberation and compromise. When we speak in terms of defiant absolutes, we lose the ability to have any impact but obstruction. When we attack each other’s motives instead of contesting each other’s ideas, we poison the atmosphere for negotiating. And, worse, we make it impossible to learn from one another.

Believe me, I know that opponents can sometimes be infuriating. That's the real test of civic maturity: to respect adversaries whose words make your blood boil without belittling them personally. To respect someone you agree with--that's no great challenge. To respect those who advocate the very thing that you would spend a lifetime opposing--that's something.

And it is precisely in situations where we differ the most that the stakes are highest, and we most need to practice civility.

American high-speed rail gets moving in North Carolina

Last week I blogged about finalizing a high-speed rail grant agreement with Maine that will extend the Northeast corridor up to Brunswick. Yesterday, we finalized another high-speed rail grant agreement, this one with North Carolina.

Yesterday's agreement will help North Carolina complete mechanical upgrades and refurbish its passenger coaches and locomotives. This will allow the state to further expand service on its increasingly popular Charlotte-Raleigh run and begin preparing its leg of the Southeast High-Speed Rail corridor.

With these agreements in Maine and North Carolina, American high-speed rail is rolling out of the station and gaining momentum.

And what it's delivering to North Carolina is, as Senator Kay Hagan said, "first-class, high-speed passenger rail that will make traveling across our great state easier and more efficient, reduce congestion on our roads, and lessen dependence on foreign oil."

"Most importantly," she added, "This project will create jobs."

That sentiment was echoed emphatically by Rep. David Price, who said, "This funding will further what must be our highest priority: putting North Carolinians to work." 

North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue also put employment benefits at the top of her list, saying, "For our citizens, it means jobs, economic development, reduced congestion and a cleaner environment."

And they are right about that.

The initial $20.3 million creates 34 new jobs for mechanical workers who maintain the trains and for train engineers and conductors on North Carolina's expanded service.

But that's just the beginning. North Carolina's $545 million total share of high-speed and intercity passenger rail funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create or maintain as many as 4,800 private sector jobs in the state over the next four years, with 1,000 of those expected this year alone as ready-to-go projects get under way. Those jobs will come from more than 30 projects in 11 counties, all part of improving North Carolina's rail service.

Then there is the economic development that will follow the rail line as companies choose to locate where high-speed rail service allows easy travel between business centers. The North Carolina Department of Transportation expects more than 19,000 new jobs as rail service attracts this kind of development.

Of course, there are other some pretty good transportation benefits as well. And North Carolinians seem to appreciate those, too, as the state recently added midday service on the Charlotte-Raleigh route, and plans to expand even more soon.

DOT employees give Department a thumbs-up

Every day, DOT employees are working hard to make life better for Americans across the country through safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation. But we can't fulfill that goal for the nation unless DOT team members feel good about the DOT workplace.

Today, I'm happy to report that--according to the 2010 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey--DOT employees are feeling a lot better about what goes on around here.

DOT employees and senior leaders at departmental Town Hall meeting

The last survey taken was in 2008, and it looks like things have improved considerably at DOT since then. For such a large department--over 55,000 people--the early results are remarkable.

For example, in 2010, 75.3% of those surveyed said their work gives them a feeling of personal accomplishment, up from only 70.9% in 2008.  Similarly, in 2010, 88.7% said they like the kind of work they do, up from 84.5% in 2008. Those are significant improvements.

Responding to questions during a recent Town Hall

And this boost in employee satisfaction is no accident. I have been personally engaged in the effort to improve DOT. Since joining DOT, I initiated town hall meetings with employees around the country, and I have also held regular open-door office hours where employees are free to let me know what's on their minds.

I also made a point early on to all of DOT's senior leaders that I see improving our workplace as an obligation to the American people. A good workplace provides leadership development, clear internal communications, and a fair but challenging performance culture.

That's the kind of environment DOT employees deserve, and it's what Americans deserve from their federal agencies.

Central Gateway, first TIGER transit grant a transformational piece in the Kent, OH, puzzle

Last Friday I was pleased to visit Kent, Ohio, and sign the very first of our TIGER transit grant agreements. This $20 million agreement is for the Kent Central Gateway multimodal transit center, a perfect example of what our TIGER program is trying to do.

Two years ago, Kent State University surveyed its students to find out what it would take to persuade them to stay after graduation and put their talents and skills to good use in Portage County.

A strong majority said they wanted a vibrant downtown with plenty of culture and places to gather. They wanted accessible, walkable streets and neighborhoods with character. They wanted a strong sense of community.

In short, they wanted the kind of town envisioned by our TIGER grant program and by President Obama's interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Soon residents of Kent will benefit from a 325,000 square foot project that combines a bus transfer station with public parking, retail and commercial space, and pedestrian and bicycle connections. Plus, the center also includes 13,000 square feet of rooftop solar panels, geothermal technology and other green building approaches leading to expected LEED certification.

It's a perfect piece of the Kent downtown redevelopment underway and a complement to nearby Acorn Alley, which features 12 new businesses and is growing. Other plans for a revitalized Kent include:

• A hotel and conference center
• The relocation of the Portage County municipal courthouse
• Corporate offices
• A mix of locally-owned and chain retail stores and restaurants

As one local business manager said, “Now people will have a reason to wander around Kent and enjoy it--not just drive through.”

But those new opportunities require access--whether by transit or car or bike or foot--and that's where the Kent Central Gateway transit center comes in.

In latest "Voices of the Recovery Act" installment, Bill Montgomery tells his story: "Recovery--that's what it's all about."

"Before this Congress and President Obama took decisive action, our nation was losing more than 750,000 jobs a month. It is clear that without the Recovery Act, our nation would be still dealing with an economic catastrophe."

Those are the words of California Congressman George Miller, Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, after a recent jobs report. And one worker whose experience demonstrates the Recovery Act's record of creating good jobs is California's Bill Montgomery.

Today, Bill--a field superintendent at Swinerton Builders--and his crew are hard at work on a new control tower at Palm Springs International Airport. "I'd be unemployed," he says, "The Recovery Act is fueling the next job."

Bill's story is the newest featured video in our series, "Voices of the Recovery Act."

Now, I appreciate Bill's praise of the Recovery Act, but the project Bill and his crew are working on also has important safety benefits for air passengers flying through Palm Springs. The new tower will be nearly three times taller than the existing one, allowing controllers an unobstructed view of the entire airport.

But despite the many successes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we cannot rest.

New transit solutions promise jobs now, livability gains for years to come

This morning, as part of President Obama's livability initiative, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and I announced over $290 million in new transit funding for projects that will enhance the quality of life in communities across America. The 53 grants will fund new streetcars, buses, and transit facilities from Manchester, NH, to Albuquerque, NM, through FTA's Urban Circulator and Bus Livability programs.

Administrator Rogoff summarized the benefits of this funding perfectly: "These projects mean jobs now and major transit improvements that will last for years to come."

With these grants, six more US communities will soon have streetcars like Portland

I am thrilled about these awards because the jobs and the economic development and the mobility choices this livability funding sets in motion demonstrate so clearly the progress the Obama Administration has made possible in just 18 months.

Communities around the US have been enthusiastic partners, looking for opportunities to advance good projects that have solid ridership expectations, that create opportunities for economic development, that have demonstrable environmental benefits, and that increase access for transit-dependent people.

For $130 million in urban circulator grants, we received more than $1 billion in applications. And for the $160 million in bus grants, we received over $2 billion in applications.

That's a sign that America is ready for better connectivity, more transportation choices, and greater livability.

"Let's Read. Let's Move" preps kids to say "I think I can"

My first job was teaching school, and I have four kids and nine grandkids. So I know a little bit about reading aloud to children. And I love it.

That's why it was such a pleasure to join Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for a "Let's Read. Let's Move" session. We were met by nearly a hundred kids from the Arts and Technology Academy's summer program, and they were great listeners as I read one of my favorites, Platt & Munk's classic, "The Little Engine That Could."

Now I welcome any opportunity to return to the classroom, but reading this tale--whose origins date back over 100 years--provides a particularly useful springboard for kids into discussions of the Let's Read. Let's Move themes: strong minds, healthy foods, and good, physical activity.

Plus, as the kids yesterday were quick to point out, the little engine also shows the importance of good, safe transportation!

And when you're sitting next to a Secretary of Education, who the kids know has played basketball with President Obama, you can use any advantage at your disposal, even a little blue engine whose famous mantra is "I think I can."

The "Let's Read. Let's Move" program is a terrific idea to help school kids bridge the summertime gap in education. It's part of President Obama’s national volunteer campaign, “United We Serve,” which has challenged Americans to engage in sustained, meaningful service activities in their communities this summer.

DOT holding firm on campaign to end distracted driving

UPDATE: Since I posted the entry below, I've am pleased to have learned from The Washington Post and The New York Times that the Seward Square Group is abandoning its plans to obstruct our efforts to end distracted driving.

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Let's make this clear: DOT and the safety community will not be stalled by a new effort to rile up corporate America and undermine the achievements of our campaign against distracted driving.

Regardless of what a powerful lobbying group has to say, the simple fact is that texting and talking on cell phones behind the wheel is a deadly epidemic. With nearly 6,000 deaths and more than half a million injuries from distracted driving in 2008--each of them completely preventable--we will continue to encourage drivers to put down their devices and keep their minds on the road.

DOT's commitment to safety is unequivocal.

Some people think they can text or talk on the phone and still drive safely. You cannot do it.

When you look at your blackberry for four seconds, you are driving the length of a football field without watching the road. And when you talk on your cell phone, you tell your brain it's okay to devote your primary attention to something other than your driving.

Yet we see this every day. We are a nation of cell phone users, and we've all used these devices while driving. But, when we think about it--when we read about the deaths and when we see the data--we understand that it's wrong.

Jennifer Smith of FocusDriven discusses the human cost of distracted driving as Vernon Betkey and Janet Froescher look on

State of Maine on board with high-speed rail; upgrade work on the popular Downeaster begins

Yesterday, in a blog about traveling on high-speed rail lines in Turkey and Italy, I talked about good American jobs and improved service as we begin the challenge of developing a US high-speed rail industry.

It didn't take long for the state of Maine to rise to that challenge. Later in the day, we finalized a grant agreement allowing work to begin on the rehabilitation and expansion of the popular Downeaster Boston-to-Portland Amtrak intercity passenger service.

That work is the first phase of bringing high-speed rail to northern New England.

These funds are part of the initial $8 billion set aside in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to jump-start an American high-speed and intercity passenger rail system. And, while some of those funds have been designated for brand new high-speed rail corridors, a key part of our high-speed rail plan requires upgrading existing rail routes, particularly popular lines like the Downeaster, which has served nearly 3 million passengers.

Commenting on the grant, Maine Senator Olympia Snowe reminded everyone of the line's popularity:

“This grant validates the unceasing diligence of the people who promote, manage and operate the Downeaster, a truly invaluable transportation and economic asset.  Since its inception, the Downeaster has generated more than $40 million in fares and last year it had a customer service satisfaction rate of 93%, and this extension will not only help boost the economy of Coastal Maine, but all of Maine.”

Sen. Snowe is right about the Downeaster, and she's right about the economic stimulus this grant provides.

This project is a great example of what the Recovery Act is all about. We’re giving travelers better options while putting people in Maine back to work and improving New England’s rail infrastructure. That's a win for everyone.

High-speed rail moves Turkey and Italy

This morning, I shared my thoughts on the incredible transcontinental Marmaray Tunnel, and I promised more later about other transformative projects afoot in Turkey. As we get rolling on a high-speed rail system of our own in America, one of the most exciting things for me is to see how other countries have integrated high-speed passenger rail into their own national transportation networks.

Last week, I had the excellent experience of riding Turkey's high-speed rail line from Ankara to Eskişehir. And yesterday I had the pleasure of riding high-speed rail in Italy.

High-speed rail in Turkey (left) via TCDD and in Italy (right) via Trenitalia

When completed, the 331-mile Ankara-to-Istanbul high-speed rail line in Turkey will cut existing train travel times in half. It will reduce traffic congestion on that nation's busiest stretch of roadway. And door-to-door travel times on this 155-mph route will be faster than air travel between Turkey's two largest cities.

That will take a lot of cars off Turkey's roadways, and a lot of greenhouse gas emissions from the environment. And I can assure future passengers that the ride is very, very smooth, and the trains are quite comfortable.

In the engineer's cab with FRA Administrator Joe Szabo (left) and Turkish Transport Minister Binali Yildirim (standing far right)

And Turkey's high-speed rail won't end with the Ankara-to-Istanbul line. TCDD plans to cross the country with high-speed rail from Izmir in the west, through Ankara, and all the way east to Kars.

Perhaps Turkish State Railways' most ambitious goal is to increase mode share for trains between the two cities from 10% all the way up to 78%.

TCDD's high-speed rail route between Istanbul and Ankara

That's not as big a stretch as you might expect. One case in point? Italy. In 2008, 36% of travelers from Milan to Rome rode the train, compared with 51% who flew. Today, 60% of travelers are taking the train and only 30% are flying.

World's transportation planners marvel as Turkey's Marmaray Tunnel nears completion

I'm proud to say that we're working on some ambitious transit projects in America right now; the new Hudson River ARC tunnel is an obvious example. But last week I had the opportunity to tour the construction site of what will become, when completed, the world's deepest immersed transit tube: the Marmaray Tunnel in Turkey.

 

This is one of those engineering marvels that kids--and adults--around the globe will be reading about someday and saying, "Wow! How did they ever do that?"

The world transportation community is already watching and hoping to learn from Turkey's experience.

The Marmaray tunnel will not only connect the beautiful city of Istanbul more efficiently with its eastern suburbs; because Turkey has one foot in Europe and one foot in Asia, it will also be the world's first intercontinental submerged public transit route.

“Yes, you will be able to go from Europe to Asia without getting off the train,” said Serap Timur, of Turkey’s General Directorate of Railways, Harbours and Airports Construction (DLH).

The underground segment of this 47.5 mile project will be about 8.5 miles. The crossing beneath the Bosphorus Strait will measure .87 miles and consist of two tubes with 11 sections of immersed tunnel. At its deepest, the tunnel will be submerged to a depth of 197 feet.

 

Visiting the site was exhilarating. To see how the tunnel segments are floated into position then submerged into a waiting trench then connected--it's really something.

But not only is this exciting from an engineering perspective; it also promises tremendous benefits to the Turkish people.

Holiday weekend brings Summer of Recovery to Florida; road project moves forward after 30-year delay

Last month, in Columbus, Ohio, President Obama ushered in the Summer of Recovery, saying, "If we're going to rebuild America's economy, we've got to rebuild America."

Well, last Friday, near Jacksonville, Florida, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez helped break ground on a project that demonstrates exactly what President Obama was talking about.

The State Road 9B project has been on hold for 30 years. And now, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama, the wait is over.

The end of that long wait means a welcome boost for Florida's economy because construction of State Road 9B will create or maintain more than 200 jobs.

And we know that the economic impact doesn't end with those jobs.

Every American back on the job today because of a Recovery Act project is buying groceries for their family, paying their rent or mortgage, and injecting much of that payroll right back into the economy.

US Bicycle Route System begins connecting America

If you're traveling by car or airplane this 4th of July weekend and would rather be packing your luggage onto your bike, you may be interested in the US Bicycle Route System.

You've probably heard me compare where our high-speed and intercity passenger rail system is today with where America stood 54 years ago when President Eisenhower began implementing the US Interstate Highway network. But America also has a national interstate network of bicycle routes in a similar state of initial development.

The US Bicycle Route System opened its first routes in 1982. Route 1 runs between Virginia and North Carolina, and Route 76 joins Virginia, Kentucky, and Illinois.

For more than 20 years, not much happened. But in 2003, AASHTO revived the USBRS with a Task Force on US Bicycle Routes. The Task Force includes state transportation agency staff, Federal Highway Administration employees, and bicycling organizations. One group, Adventure Cycling Association,  began providing staff support to the project in 2005 and developed a map called the National Corridor Plan.

In 2009, the Task Force created a new application that states can use to enter their routes into the USBRS. The hard work of translating the corridors from the plan into on-the-ground routes began.

And I'm happy to say that work has been fruitful. In Michigan USBRS 20 is underway, with USBRS 35 soon to follow. The people of Michigan are excited to be leading the way on America's interstate bikeway system.

As Scott Anderson, state coordinator for the bicycle route, said, "We went county to county, community to community, to talk with each one and got enormous support. We even had cities and towns that weren't on the route pushing to get included."

Anderson and Michigan's communities also see the business and employment possibilities the USBRS offers: "We see an economic opportunity here. We're hoping to promote tourism and there are a lot of bicycle tourists out there."

This 4th of July, let's get there safely

There are not too many things I enjoy more than a good, old-fashioned 4th of July community celebration. Picnics, parades, outdoor concerts, and--of course--fireworks displays.

But, whether you're traveling across the country or just going to the nearest municipal park, it pays to think about safety. And for safe travel, DOT has just the agency: the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

We call it "PHMSA," and, wherever you're going this weekend, please check out safetravel.dot.gov before you go.

Now, it's not news that when we travel, we take stuff with us. But some of the consumer items we tote are hazardous and are only safe for transportation when packed and handled properly. Travelers can minimize the fire safety hazards posed by aerosols, ammunition, lighters, lighter fluid, matches, and fireworks by using the helpful tips at PHMSA's Safe Travel website.

So remember, it can be safe to travel with these items, but only when you meet DOT and the Department of Homeland Security's TSA requirements and take recommended common sense precautions.