How bad roads affect local economies
I wrote this white paper for my clients at pothole.info, a website dedicated to exploring the problems and solutions associated with deteriorating pavement.
For example, the non-profit group The Road Information Program (TRIP) reported in 2004 on poor road conditions in Virginia, concluding “the quality of a region’s transportation system is an important factor in where businesses and industries decide to locate, expand or downsize. A modern transportation system is of critical importance if Virginia is to capitalize on economic development opportunities.”
Other TRIP findings:
- Regional road conditions are considered by companies when locating manufacturing and distribution facilities.
- Some companies actually cite poor U.S. road quality as a deciding factor in locating operations offshore.
- The state of Minnesota promotes the quality of its highways in economic development marketing.
- The state of California recognizes road quality as integral to “job creation and a positive impact on an average person’s daily life.”
- The state of Utah’s Chamber of Commerce has an official position on road quality: “A safe and efficient transportation system is foundational for Utah’s economic vitality, quality of life and growth.”
My engagement with Pothole.info is fascinating – and a little disturbing. This is a universal experience, poor pavement, and one of huge economic impact. America has invested $1.75 trillion in its nearly four million miles of roads since the 1950s. How that investment will be protected, and the impact these roads will have on our economy and quality of life, will be a major part of the political discussion for years to come. It can also be a major part of how federal, state and local dollars are used to stimulate an economic recovery.
This work also adds to my portfolio as a construction industry writer. I am a feature writer for American Business Quarterly, Luxury Homes Quarterly and Green Business Quarterly, publications that look at some of the best examples of construction, design and sustainability in American companies.