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| CRBJ Home > June 2007 | |||||
A regional transportation plan important to growth, economyBy Jennifer Alexander
A well-planned, well-maintained system is as critical to our economic growth and vitality as it is to our quality of life. A comprehensive regional transportation network that is strong and efficient and includes a variety of modes of travel -- air, car, bus, bike and rail -- is a cornerstone of future success for our region. The Collaboration Council believed transportation was so critical, the issue was chosen as one of two quality of life issues (with education) as an initial focus for the newly-formed, eight-county Regional Economic Development Entity. We live in one place, work in another, pursue recreation in still other places -- our transportation strategies must reflect our needs. To sustain our quality of life in the region (jobs, education, recreational opportunities and environmental assets) we need reliable and seamlessly integrated transportation. Need to look beyond city While current proposed rail systems are designed to address Madison's unique growth pattern and isthmus traffic, we need to think beyond city borders to the greater region. Transportation is an issue that doesn't stop at city, county or state borders. Conversations about transportation need to ensure efficient transitions from one mode of transportation to another across county and even state lines. The pattern is clear: We are regional, and we need to plan accordingly. A recent report by the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS) showed the Capital Region is economically viable because of its strong, integrated commuting patterns. Dane County continues to draw growing numbers of workers from elsewhere in the region: Columbia County alone sends more than a third of its work force to the central urban core, and the trend is similar for surrounding counties. Businesses throughout the region continue to need expanded transportation options as well. "Working with health-care organizations around the country, efficient airline service is key to our continued success," said Peter Rickman of Epic Systems Corporation. "More direct flights into and out of the Dane County Regional Airport for the nearly 2,000 trips we have every month would make a big impact for us." Must think regionally Clearly, the interconnectedness of the region continues to deepen and strong transportation options facilitate substantial amounts of trade within the region. "Thinking of the region as an integrated entity with respect to larger urban markets (especially ... Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities) will allow us to pursue an economic development strategy that fosters economic growth by promoting trade with these neighbors, as well as trade within the region," wrote COWS. If we think strategically about our transportation systems as regional systems, then, it becomes clear that we need to explore and utilize all sources of federal and state funding before we turn to local funding sources. As a regional business community, we have a tremendous stake in the transportation issue. It is imperative that we ask questions about our transportation options: What are they? Why are new options needed? How does transportation relate to economic development? To quality of life? What is the cost and how will we fund our choices? The more we think both strategically and long term, the better we proactively shape our options for how we live, work and play in the Capital Region. Jennifer Alexander is president of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and president of the Regional Economic Development Entity. madison.com ©2009 Capital Newspapers. All rights reserved. |
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