In its Aug. 27^th statement, the TCC noted that while the new initiative highlights the value of America’s vast transportation corridors, the transportation industry group emphasized that the success of this strategy depends on the condition, capacity, and long-term maintenance of America’s transportation networks.

The new initiative comes as the Sept. 30 deadline looms for America’s surface transportation reauthorization. The new plan would give state Departments of Transportation and railroads the ability to lease rights-of-way—the land running alongside roads, tracks or shared space utility tunnels. These rights-of-way owners can partner with private sector “Corridor Managers” to oversee design, development, operation, and maintenance along these routes.

Using existing transportation land instead of acquiring new private property reduces project costs and can leverage categorical environmental exemptions to bypass lengthy reviews. Revenues generated from utility leases will fund repairs and upgrades for the roads, bridges, tunnels, and railroads along the corridor, federal officials noted.

“While America’s Great Corridors of Commerce hold the promise to unleash economic growth, right now, Congress holds the keys to realize their potential. Designating new corridors of commerce is only meaningful if the roads, bridges, and freight networks that support them are ready to do the job,” the TCC coalition said. “America cannot build world-class corridors of commerce on national infrastructure that is falling behind and falling apart. Congress should move quickly to pass a long-term surface transportation reauthorization that provides the long-term funding certain states and local communities need to repair aging infrastructure, facilitate more efficient freight movement, and fuel economic growth.”

“Transportation corridors serve as the backbone of the U.S. economy, supporting freight movement, regional connectivity and access to jobs and services. As policymakers explore additional uses for highway and rail rights of way, sustained federal investment in the underlying transportation infrastructure is necessary to ensure those corridors remain safe, reliable and efficient,” the TCC stated. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association is a member of the TCC. The Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. is an affiliate of ARTBA.