Today, as the President is expected to sign into law the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the long-awaited five-year federal transportation bill, Christopher Coes, Managing Director of LOCUS, a program of Smart Growth America, issued the following statement:
“Today marks an important day. The provisions to promote transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly development included in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act are a crucial step forward in the advancement of sustainable development and walkable communities across the country.
“These new and enhanced grant and loan programs will improve our communities by keeping people safer on America’s streets and by providing greater capacity for communities to meet their local infrastructure needs. In addition, the legislation will expand opportunities for transit-oriented development projects, providing more Americans with the option to live and work near transit, while also boosting economic growth nationwide.
“LOCUS has led the way in supporting these provisions in the transportation bill that encourage more walkable urban places and sustainable communities through private and public partnerships and we thank the bipartisan coalition of Congressional champions including Senators Brian Schatz, Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley and Mark Kirk, as well as Representatives Steve Cohen, Donna Edwards, Garret Graves and Barbara Comstock, who helped us get there. With the support of these Members, the real estate industry and local communities will have the needed investments and tools in order to revitalize communities and meet the demand for great, walkable neighborhoods that are economically vibrant and socially-inclusive.
“LOCUS looks forward to working with cities and the real estate industry to push forward these important policies that will not only improve the way our families work and live, but help shape communities for years to come.”