Thursday, November 29, 2001
FHWA 40-01
Contacts:
FHWA, Lori Irving, 202-366-0660
FTA, Karen Clarke, 202-366-4043
FHWA,
FTA Launch Program To Help Meet Transportation Challenges
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today
joined the administrators of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in
launching the Metropolitan Capacity Building (MCB) program and program web site.
The goal of the MCB program is to
improve public ability to respond to transportation challenges
in metropolitan areas.
“I
have time and again seen the power of transportation to improve cities and
neighborhoods of all backgrounds, and the MCB program will help leverage that
power,” Secretary Mineta said. “This
program is a good example of applying new technology to complex, real-world
transportation problems – one of my priorities for the department.
The MCB website provides a "one-stop" shop
for information on a broad array of planning topics. It contains information about the MCB program, a briefing
book for metropolitan planning organization board members, case studies,
training information, hot links to other relevant sites and more.
"Metropolitan areas face enormous challenges, such
as congestion, air quality, financial constraints, growth issues and diverse
traveler needs," FHWA Administrator Mary Peters said.
"The Metropolitan Capacity Building program will help elected
officials and transportation professionals meet these challenges and design and
operate transportation facilities that meet the needs of the American
public."
FTA Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn said, "In the largest metropolitan areas, where traffic congestion is a pressing concern, a multi-modal, balanced approach to addressing transportation issues is essential. A decision-making process that is inclusive, offering communities a voice in planning solutions, will ensure that issues are addressed in ways that are responsive to community needs and concerns. I believe the MCB program will increase awareness, understanding, and informed participation in the transportation planning and decision-making processes, and help keep our communities safe and moving.”
The MCB program has several components.
It provides transportation agency board members information on the
metropolitan transportation planning process.
It also provides a means for sharing successful examples of good
practice. The FHWA and FTA, in
conjunction with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials, the American Public Transit Association, and the Association of
Metropolitan Planning Organizations also offer technical assistance, training
and education programs.
By consolidating this information in one
place, the agency hopes to help state and local transportation officials and
their staffs become better prepared to address the transportation issues in
metropolitan areas.
The Metropolitan Capacity Building web site
on the Internet is www.mcb.fhwa.dot.gov.
###