IMPROVING METROPOLITAN DECISION MAKING IN TRANSPORTATION: GREATER FUNDING AND DEVOLUTION FOR GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY

This paper examines how transportation decision making has evolved, especially in metropolitan areas. It summarizes the degree of financing and program authority that metropolitan areas are given under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). It also argues for expansion of current transportation laws to increase the amount of funding sources and the decision making powers in metropolitan areas. This will allow transportation in the 21st century to fulfill the promises of previous attempts at transportation reform.