Transportation infrastructure projects benefit roads and drivers, but also local communities, as each project generates new jobs that can remain in these communities through a variety of options.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx recently reminded stakeholders that for every $1 billion spent on federal transit and highway projects, communities can generate 13,000 jobs. There are also several ways that these jobs can survive in these communities, even after the project is over.
The Department of Transportation (USDOT) has developed a pilot project that generates local jobs, partnering with transportation industry employers, local workforce boards, state officials, unions, community colleges and vocational educators, among others, to create training that matches the demand for jobs.
There is also the new Jobs To Move America Coalition. This plan buys rolling stock, which gives freight, commuter, passenger and transit rail companies the stock they need to generate U.S. jobs.
Amtrak, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Agency, the California High Speed Rail Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, and Maryland DOT already work with the U.S. Employment Plan to create more jobs. USDOT is encouraging other transportation leaders to do the same in their jurisdictions as well.
"Our budget is only as good as how it's spent and, more importantly, the people whose lives it improves,” Foxx said.
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