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Jim Phillips: Can/Am BTA Executive Director - Opened Conference
-Welcomed attendees / Presented a locational map of the United States, Canada and Mexico depicting the major Gateway Trade Corridor
Highway routes linking two way trade between major Canadian cities (population areas), manufacturing, farm, forest and natural resource source areas to the United States and to Mexico for trade activity involving
Mexico (Corridor coalition representatives comprised the invited participants) / Reiterated the importance of trade in attaining and sustaining economic viability / and that transportation is the element that
provides access to markets and is the lifeline between producers and consumers / Highlighted that all two-way Canada/ U.S. Mexico highway and rail trade and visitation requires and utilizes Border Crossing Gateways/
Gateway approaches and Border utilizes Border Crossing Gateways / Gateway approaches and Border Area infrastructure / before dispersing to intended destinations throughout the 48 states, Canada and Mexico utilizing
connected highway and rail trade flow corridor / Emphasized that Border Crossing Gateways / Gateway connections / Corridors are vital links in the overall transportation system.
Previewed the element of the meeting:
-Monday morning Federal Highway Administration U.S. DOT Briefing;
-Monday afternoon presentations of 5 selected specific undertakings judged to be meaningful "what
and how" guides to successful initiatives;
-Tuesday Plenary Session (Dialogue of participants to articulate views, needs, concerns / provide an opportunity to identify areas of common interest and outlook /
to reach consensus positions on the importance of Gateways / Gateway Connectors / Highway and Trade Flow Corridor / in the big picture of the Transportation System.)
Advised that handouts for all presentations were being provided.
Harry Caldwell: Chief, Highway
Needs and Improvement U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
"Briefing -Status and Strategic Review"
-Stated the annual Federal Highway Program is approximately $20 billion/year with 95% of the funds allocated by legislative formula. The program's purpose is to enable, encourage and direct.
-Divided Briefing into 6 categories:
Information on ISTEA/NEXTEA
Trade Corridor Development
FHWA U>S> DOT Initiatives
Funding Overview and innovative financing programs
Action Plan for Developing a National Freight and Trade Transportation Strategy
Trends in Global and Manufacturing Logistics
Handouts included U.S. DOT's ISTEA Reauthorization Proposal- NEXTEA Highway Title,
NEXTEA Proposed FY98 Authorizations, details of NEXTEA new programs and strengthed Planning Process, Formula Proposals Offered for Congressional Consideration, Complete write-up of the Action Plan for Developing a
National Freight and Trade Transportation Strategy / statement of the Honorable Rodney Slater before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure / on
the Reauthorization of the Intermodal surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 on February 26, 1997.
-Discussed 6015/1089 study background relative to border crossings and border areas/ Provided
overview of developing freight linkages / Described carrier-shipper alliances (new 8000 container ships 13 to 18 containers wide / with 45 ' draft resulting in turning radius and water depth needs precluding use of
some ports).
-Highlighted Logistics trends: ships going point to point needing load centers and feeder ports / CD Rom used to order new Volvo with delivery to your door in 21 days / reduction in product cycle
times / postponement- delaying value added as late as possible / formation of retailer- supplier alliances / system reliability / reducing dwell time and use of trucks as "rolling warehouses" / identifying
and eliminating recurring delays / GM is operating on 15 minute inventory positions / Asian manufacturing axis is now Malayasia = distance / air cargo by trade value is highest growth segment / air freight has lack
of intermodal connections / new super ships need bulk break which suggests regional approach.
-Stated freight goes where freight is gonna go. Give shipper/carrier what they need/ BE AN ATTRACTOR.
-Overviewed funding levels / apportionment formulas (donor/donee) and eligibility questions. Described trust fund status / authorization / appropriation / and obligation. Administration NEXTEA proposal
is $174 billion 1998-2003 a 9% increase over ISTEA. $29.1 billion is proposed for the 1998 budget.
-Extensively described and discussed new Border Crossing and Trade Corridor specific funding proposal of
$45 million per year / for 6 years as a critically important initiative.
-Discussed a number of wide ranging specifics / answered numerous participants questions and engaged in extensive dialogue.
EDITORIAL NOTE:
I have a long standing and respectful relationship with Harry Caldwell who is one of the most knowledgeable representatives of the USDOT FHWA. Harry is a true asset to his profession.
I publicly thank him on behalf of all of the participants for his meaningful, candid and effective contributions to the conference.
Deborah Sakaguchi: Manager, Business Development Colorado DOT
Bob Zuelsdorf: Senior Vice President, Wilbur Smith Associates
"Western Transportation and Trade Network (17 States) Study
- Presented the completed analysis and draft of this state of the art comprehensive initiative Summarized WASHTO Policy Committee and Western Transportation Trade Network (WTTN) purpose / to promote
economic growth and maximize regional trade opportunities Canada, U.S. and Mexico / by defining and implementing a multimodal transportation and trade network. WTTN study complements Western Governors
Assoc. policy and strategy study by focusing on specific corridor and commodity flows and identification of deficiencies.
- Summarized objectives: 1) Develop a coalition to develop a multimodal TTN in
the western U.S. 2)Collect adequate level of information to forecast and address network needs 3) Develop a GIS compatible standardized data base to support network investment 4) Define
performance objectives, identify performance measures descriptive of the network including deficiencies. 5) Achieve regional (17 states) approach to needs, opportunities and strategies.
- Highlighted
rationale: 1) Trade is good for the economy 2) Trade gets located according to transportation efficiency (mode, method, location, cost, safety, reliability) of physical travel lanes and
policy procedures 3) States should be interested in helping freight transportation efficiencies (physical and policy).
- Presented comprehensive Western States chart data on highways, rail,
airports, intermodal facilities, ports, trade flow (miles volume, value by mode), Value of trade by state with Canada and Mexico, two way trade flow patterns, and identification of specific western states' corridors.
- Summarized conclusions / Western economies are dependent on efficient freight transportation / Freight needs should be recognized in ISTEA reauthorization / Costs of deficiency reduction are huge /
Appropriations are declining and Congress needs to appropriate and provide full funding / Rail programs are important in the West.
MAX PROCTOR: DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
AND SCHEDULING TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
"UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM"
- The Texas Department of Transportation Project
Development/Planning Process system is recognized as a model to manage a project / from need identification to completion. Texas officials were kind enough
to provide a complete presentation of their approach and detailed documentation on their 1997 plan process.
- The Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is designed around the ISTEA legislation to identify systems,
activities and MPO participation / in planning and programming projects. it establishes categories such as NHS, STP as well as safety, rehab, preventative maintenance, farm to market roads etc.
- Detailed
steps of Development Authority / Project Movement Criteria / Cost Effectiveness Index / STP/UTP/STIP Relationships/ Category Groupings (Federal and State) / Project Selection Criteria / Project Selection Process and
Authority were all presented relating to the Project Development / Planning Process specified Timeline / encompassing the progression from long range planning (10 plus year frame) / through programming (10 year
frame)/ to funding (current year) overall about a 25 year timeline.
DAVID STEIN: PRINCIPAL PLANNER,
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
'THE SOUTHWEST PASSAGE STRATEGY-DEVELOPING AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRANSPORTATION
CORRIDOR"
- Presented a thought provoking strategy of creating a trade flow seamless freight transportation system for southwestern industries with Asia, Europe, Mexico, South America and the Middle
East.
- Described the current congestion with some freeways at 24 hour capacity / and the need to avoid worsening congestion limitations on highways, rail lines, airports and seaports as the projected
increase in trade levels occur.
- Elements of the Southwest Passage include / increasing the connection between Southern California and Houston / enhancing highway and rail capabilities as a mini-land
bridge / Highway expansion to 6 lanes / "truck only" lanes and "truck climbing" lanes on Interstate Highways / improved border crossing access, port access, facilities, bottlenecks and freight
terminal / and hub constraints.
- Summarized focus areas of the strategy: 1) Developing a continental freight transport network; 2) Improving the information and telecommunications
infrastructure; 3) Strengthening intermodal trends and 4) Redefining the role of the border.
IRV RUBIN: CHAIRMAN, EASTERN BORDER
TRANSPORTATION COALITION
"USING HUBS AND GENERATORS TO IDENTIFY - INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION AND TRADE CORRIDORS ALONG THE EASTERN
U.S. - CANADA BORDER"
- The EBTC is a coalition of the State DOT's from ME, MA, MI, NY, VT, and the MOT's from New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and the MPO's of Buffalo and Detroit. The EVTC
received a FHWA grant to conduct a study of Eastern Border trade and traffic flows, develop projections, identify major international trade and transportation corridors and identify infrastructure needs. The
analysis and report are in the final stage of completion.
- Shared summary of key findings / 79% of all bi-directional Canada/U.S. and 51% of Canada/ Mexico truck crossings occur in the EBTC geographic area
/ 73% of all bi-directional Canada/U.S. and 25% of Canada/Mexico automobile crossings occur in the EBTC geographic area / in 1995 69% of Canada/U.S. and 50% of Canada/Mexico two way trade crossed the Canadian Border
in the EBTC geographic area / Transportation equipment, machinery and electronics were the largest categories of commodities.
- Outlined the approach Parsons Brinckerhoff developed which identified the major
border crossings as Hubs; the major locations of international goods manufacture as Generators; and the major highways/roads / connecting the Hubs / as the network simulated truck traffic would be assigned.
highlighted the need for U.S., Canadian and Mexican federal, state and provincial agencies / that gather transportation and trade data / to coordinate their activities so that the many millions of dollars spent each
year to gather and store data can be made more useful and result in better information.
PHYLLIS E. YOUNG: DIVISION
ADMINISTRATOR, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
- The Southeast Transportation
Alliance is made up of the Chief Administrative Officers of the transportation agencies of the states of AL ,AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV. The purpose of the Alliance is to
create a union of states to identify where transportation investment should be made to take advantage of the expected economic growth in South and Central America to conduct a study to identify
transportation strategies that both complement the growth of the entire region yet allow each state to maintain its independence in seeking economic goals.
- The study funding is in place
($1.5million) $100,000 from each state and $200,000 from FHWA. The Management and Working groups are in place. The contract has been awarded and will commence in June and conclude in two years.
- The purposes of the study are 1) to estimate and communicate the potential economic development impact for the Alliance states of the future Latin American Trade 2) translate the economic
development impact into, an assessment of need, to invest in transportation facilities which enhance future cooperation, and maximize the economic benefit to the region.
- Study products and planned
outcomes are 1) a report on the transportation facilities needed for the expected increase in trade 2) investment strategies denoting the pros and cons of balancing investment by mode and trade
type 3) improved information on where barriers to progress exist and where growth may occur 4) each state will act on the findings deciding on transportation investment strategies
5) continued regional cooperation among states, reflecting interdependency relationship while individually competing for the future 6) the Alliance will be maintained.
- Study
updates will be made during the annual SASHTO meetings in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
JIM PHILLIPS - CLOSING REMARKS
- Stated appreciation to the numerous distinguished speakers for their meaningful and insightful presentations. Thanked the attendees for
making the Conference a success. Noted the continuing commitment of the CAN/AM BTA to facilitate this important initiative as it did in the formation and initial session of this group.
SUMMARY OF PLENARY SESSION:
CONCEPTS - CONSENSUS - POTENTIAL COURSE OF ACTION
STATEMENT OF GIVENS:
- The envisioned formal organizing of an association of coalitions to solidify/unify positions and
actions on Macro issues and points of agreement inherently contains the understanding and agreement that individual coalitions will continue to act independently relative to their own individual interests and needs
on all other issues.
- Participants will subject proposed unified positions and actions to the review and affirmation of their constituents.
- Proposed association strengthens individual positions
and efforts and will achieve impact, credibility and serious attention and response not otherwise attainable with multiple individual approaches. Working together on principal issues with common agreement
creates a formidable force.
- An association with interaction and communication is useful and helpful to government and institutions. It collectively contains extensive knowledge, experience and can
provide factual and extensive meaningful feedback.
- To a large degree the implication of single vision and self interest negative to the public good is discounted by those considering the positions and
initiatives of a diverse associated group. This enhances the ability of the group to make a positive difference.
- It was considered premature and counter productive to create a new layer of
formalized organization. Thus the CAN/AM BTA will continue to facilitate this important initiative as it did in the formation and initial session of the group.
PREMISES:
1) Border crossing Gateway
all mode trade and transportation corridors are vital links in the U.S. economic and logistics system to create jobs and sustain economic growth. Substantial growth and the magnitude of two way trade U.S. and
Canada and U.S. and Mexico warrant Bi-National and Multi State planning initiatives for border crossing gateway trade transportation corridor development.
2) Gateway Trade Transportation corridor
definition: Land Border crossing gateway trade transportation corridors connected with Canada or Mexico processing significant trade flows (truck and rail modes) and automobile visitation volume grouped on a
cohesive regional basis (perhaps as catalogued in the 6015 study).
Separate but like category for Ports.
3) Sector Associations and State Departments collapse Inward; Our vision brings
Multi-jurisdictional planning to effective fruition.
Local to local
State to state
Region to region
BI-National (U.S./Canada) (U.S./Mexico)
States and regions must come together. The process must
be assured to link sub continental regional economies to the whole
4) Border crossings and trade transportation corridors experience both infrastructure and institutional constraints, limitations and barriers.
Some both and some one or the other.
5) A unified position of our forum of nation wide border gateway trade transportation corridor coalitions merits attention and unique impact and strengthens individual
efforts to achieve appropriate recognition of the essential role of border crossing gateway Trade Transportation Corridors.
Proposed vision:
To foster economic development, job creation, business growth
To promote easy access to markets in Canada, Mexico and worldwide
To move people, goods, and services efficiently and safely assuring rapid and convenient means.
To reduce/eliminate institutional barriers
To further this vision we urge congress in the reauthorization of ISTEA (though not necessarily from transportation funds) to designate and adequately fund a program of planning, research and infrastructure
development; for trade transportation corridors and border crossing Gateways of International trade significance.
Proposed mission statement:
Support continuous improvement of border gateways that provide
seamless International transactions and trade transportation corridors that meet the needs of international trading entities resulting in:
1) Better economic and political understanding
2) Clear articulation of common agenda
3) Acquire funding for planning and data needs analysis
4) Ongoing forum to benchmark progress and refine approaches to achieve required results.
The
"historical process" of trade's relationship to transportation needs to be revitalized, redefined. Economic benefit (trade) is the essence and transportation provides the means, access to markets.
Border crossing gateway trade transportation corridors should be linked to trade rather than solely to the present transportation purview in government deliberations.
Proposed consensus agenda items:
Organize unified approach/action and ongoing forum. Develop common corridor opportunities, needs and constraint Identification.
Develop and articulate core competencies.
Educate and communicate (all fed. Gov't players).
Data issues:
Translate data to useful information and communicate to
Appropriate government and elected officials.
Institutional
issues/barriers/constraints affecting - Trade/transportation gateway corridors.
Federal and state dictates and practices
Reauthorize ISTEA (NEXTEA) national economic crossroads Transportation Efficiency Act.
Adequate funding for needed planning initiatives on Trade Transportation gateway corridors is essential. Strongly support minimum $45 million funding per year start to begin to achieve this reality.
Long
truck combination - lift 1991 limit freeze and allow regional consensus with state by state buy in for adoption by Corridors. Limit may remain in states who choose to continue limitation. Or in urban high
populated congested areas.
A timeline can be developed which will determine necessary actions, positions and initiatives. (Engaging in the congressional deliberations on NEXTEA etc.)
Proposed NEXTEA funding position:
Highway, transportation and infrastructure funds available and potentially available are substantially over subscribed.
Urge increase in surface transportation funds with alternates to be considered:
A) Trust fund off budget
B) Return $.043 gas tax to trust fund for intended original use.
Funds for institutional problem
resolution should come from revenue generated from duty collection on trade.
It is recommended that congress consider funding multi state and BI-national planning initiatives using trade related duty collections,
department of commerce general revenues and other innovative revenue sources. (trade related versus solely highway fund related)
Consensus & suggestion at Austin session:
A formalized conference of
U.S../Canada/Mexico transportation and trade agencies to achieve coordination of data collection processes, definitions, timing and accessibility to facilitate conversion of data into useful information.
Conference on data issues BTS - CDROM - ITDS, STATS Can. ITS/SEAVIEW/CUINS/NATAP - integrate them procedural/policy issues of data and production of useful information. Comprehensive review of current government
requirements.
Jim Phillips
Executive Director
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