THE ROAD TO REAUTHORIZATION: BUILDING ON THE SUCCESS OF ISTEA

The Federal Highway Administration is working diligently to develop a proposal that will lead to the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). ISTEA, even with its flaws, has been deemed a huge success in terms of creating a new intermodal transportation paradigm. With reauthorization in mind, this article characterizes the road tours initiated by federal highway administrator Rodney Slater to meet transportation users and builders; reports on finding the right focus for the reauthorization proposal; and addresses national challenges related to an intermodal transportation system. The Department of Transportation has identified eight building blocks for the creation of post-ISTEA legislation: 1) promote intermodalism; 2) improve planning and public participation; 3) empower state and local officials; 4) strengthen partnerships; 5) encourage performance management; 6) promote innovative financing; 7) encourage new technologies; and 8) encourage better infrastructure investment and management.