INVESTING IN U.S. TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE - THE KEY TO ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

In this speech commemerating the opening of the Sam Houston Tollway, Skinner discusses the importance of transportation infrastructural growth. He suggests that the U.S. must recognize that a strong transportation system is inextricably linked to economic growth, and points out examples of ways that transportation lags behind the economy. The National Transportation Policy proposes to (1)expand the aviation industry's capacity to match public demand and plan for growth;(2) develop a highway and transit package that serves both urban and rural areas and reduces fatalities; (3) give state and local authorities more flexibility concerning local needs; and (4) encourage greater private sector participation. If implemented, this program should enhance productivity, both national and international, contribute to an improved style of living, improve the quality of life by reducing congestion and create more jobs, thus easing the transition of the defense industry to a post-Cold War world.