tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614760608725061478.post3642119624209583538..comments2023-07-18T06:01:05.816-07:00Comments on Transportation Problems and Policy: CRC and Evolving Transportation FundingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614760608725061478.post-46967836534775375272013-04-29T09:13:21.868-07:002013-04-29T09:13:21.868-07:00While I respect your analysis on this project, it&...While I respect your analysis on this project, it's interesting that you weren't able to incorporate FTA's annual funding recommendations report that was just released. This report details the level of funding for all new and small starts project for the next year. FTA has recommended $65 million for the CRC LRT component of the project for FY2014, which is a huge step in the direction of actually building this bridge. <br />Also, Oregon has dedicated funding for the bridge, and since such a small portion of the Max Extension will be in TriMet's jurisdiction, it appears that TriMet will have no problem funding the O&M of this project. The true turning point for this project is now in the hands of Washington State and C-TRAN, both who are still discussing the level of financial support for this project. Tom Shookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00853271779046457562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614760608725061478.post-67771729109339971272013-04-28T16:00:57.410-07:002013-04-28T16:00:57.410-07:00I think, although I don't have any data to sup...I think, although I don't have any data to support this intuition, that the era of transportation megaprojects in the US is coming to a close. There are still examples of current projects (CRC, SF Light Rail, California High Speed Rail), but I expect that these are increasingly going to be the exceptions. Smaller-scale projects, focusing on repair and rehab, will likely take the majority share of funding here. <br /><br />In contrast, it seems like many countries outside the US are just beginning to enter an era of transportation megaprojects. My guess is that the design review process, coupled with high local cost sharing requirements, creates a less favorable environment for megaprojects in the US. <br /><br />This is all just speculation though. I would love to see a chart of yearly average project costs for federally funded transportation projects, adjusted for inflation.Ben C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03722354409996391686noreply@blogger.com