Cutting the Red Tape

It's taking increasingly longer to complete crucial transportation projects, mainly because expanded government bureaucracies have added unnecessary layers of review. State and federal approval processes are often inefficient and duplicative. And NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) opposition from a few special interests delays or prevents improvements for a majority of citizens.

Delay results not only in increased congestion but also in increased costs. The Auto Club thinks these changes will get things moving and save tax dollars:

• Make better use of the     private sector. Despite voter approval of Proposition 35 in 2000, a     measure intended to encourage government agencies to use private sector experts     in some cases, Caltrans has underutilized private engineering firms that could     speed-up and reduce the cost of its project-design process.
• Coordinate federal and     state processes that make important environmental reviews drag on for     years, while costs and congestion spiral and environmental improvements languish.
• Speed up reviews.    State and federal agencies that review project documents and issue permits     need to act more quickly and efficiently and be held to deadlines.
• Expedite project     design and construction by using innovative techniques such as "design-build,"    which allows a single team to both design and build a project. Because project     costs are going up by 8 percent annually, completing projects more quickly     reduces costs and provides congestion relief for motorists sooner.
• Involve all interested     parties as soon as possible in the debate about proposed road and transit     projects.  Political, business, and     community leaders and residents must work together, creatively balancing     legitimate-and sometimes competing-interests regarding transportation     improvements. Those who benefit from transportation projects must be vocal     supporters of change. Public agencies must better anticipate and respond to     local concerns, and elected officials must provide leadership to move     decisions along.