New Transportation Chief Seeks Stable Funding Source, Talks Atlanta Connections

Last year, Congress passed a two-year spending measure called MAP 21, or the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. It expires next September. Foxx, a former Charlotte mayor who was confirmed as transportation secretary earlier this summer, urged the roomful of state lawmakers to push their congressman for a longer-term bill.

“You need predictability. I’m carrying that message to our leaders in Congress all the time. They know it too. But it’s really going to take a ground-up approach to get something done here.”

He said partisan battles over federal spending have “gummed up this whole issue.”

“There is a very clear nexus between what we do in our infrastructure and what happens in our economy and I would call that investing. I spend money to take my kids to the movies, but I invest in their education.”

He complained sequestration effects were delaying the implementation of key technologies.

“We’re working off of World War II radar systems in moving planes across the country and there’s actually the capacity to move it to GPS which allows us to be more accurate on flight routes and the data suggests we might save millions in fuel and passengers would see 41 percent fewer delays when they’re moving in air.”

He said that’s just one example.

“We’re being a penny wise and a pound foolish by not seeing that technology done as quickly as possible.”

After the meeting, Foxx spoke of the potential for partnership with state and local leaders in Georgia. Foxx called Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed “a good friend and a great mayor.” 

In addition, MARTA CEO Keith Parker and new Beltline CEO Paul Morris both spent substantial parts of their careers in North Carolina, where they worked with Foxx on a number of transportation initiatives.

Years ago in the Charlotte Observer, Foxx was quoted as a young city councilman praising Parker, who at the time was an assistant city manager.

“He is the kind of guy who will sit down with you and listen 75 percent of the time and talk 25 percent of the time. I think people trust him,” said Foxx.

Now as transportation secretary, he said there’s a lot to build on in the region.

“Georgia and North Carolina are joined at the hip and it’s never unusual for there to be a large North Carolina contingent in Georgia or vice versa and I know that Mayor Reed has some very substantial plans to help that connection grow over time.”

On this trip to Atlanta, Foxx said he had already spoken with Mayor Reed, and he planned to reach out to Parker and Gov. Nathan Deal later this week.