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National
Federal Move toward Sustainable Transportation and Other Infrastructure Matched by Public Demand and Industry Efforts
A new survey reveals that just since November, the number of Americans willing to pay more now for energy-efficient and less wasteful national infrastructure in order to save money and resources in the future has risen from 58 to 64 percent. Equally significant, 96 percent of respondents agree with the need to consider sustainability in all new construction, 76 percent see sustainability-minded, large-scale infrastructure projects as an important investment for future generations, and 51 percent would add an average of $256 to their annual taxes to ensure some form of sustainability for new construction in their regions.
Commissioned by Kansas City, Missouri-based HNTB Corporation, the America THINKS survey presents views and attitudes sampled nationwide by Kelton Research in April. ''The transportation industry's evolution to sustainable practices is being driven by political and public pressure, which is demanding the industry catch up with those that are further advanced in sustainability,'' commented HNTB Urban Design and Planning Chair David Wenzel. ''Federal leadership is establishing mandates and states are rapidly working on strategies to not only meet these mandates, but the public demand for a more environmentally sound transportation network.''
Indeed, the America THINKS survey finds most Americans optimistic about multi-modal mobility prospects. Asked to select from a list those transportation changes they consider likely in their regions in 20 years, 44 percent of respondents predicted much less driving, with 56 percent expecting much higher use of transit, 31 percent anticipating much more walking and another 31 percent projecting much more biking. Still, same views and habits apparently need more time to evolve. Thus, 61 percent disagreed with the statement, ''The U.S. should try to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emission by reducing the number of miles that vehicles travel through a mileage use tax,'' and an identical 61 percent indicated they wouldn't ''consider moving to a new area simply because it practiced or mandated sustainability'' more than where they live now.
That aside, many industry leaders foresee a ''sea change'' for movement of people and goods in years ahead. Having met with more than 35 state and regional transportation agency officials across the country, Wenzel noted that HNTP is working to advance sustainability on two tracks – introducing new resource-sensitive design and construction techniques, and implementing emission-reduction practices. HNTP also has established guidelines for incorporation of sustainable elements into its roadway, bridge and transit projects. ''As a firm, HNTB is dedicated to planning, designing and managing the construction and maintenance of infrastructure that are respectful of our limited resources and ultimately less impactful on the environment,'' he said. ''It will provide long-term benefits to our clients, their customers and our country.''
For more details and related links, visit www.hntb.com/sites/default/files/issues/AmericaThinks_fact_sheet.pdf. 5/1/2010
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