Opening Remarks, Frank McCartney

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What is the difference these people make? • Greater mobility • Increased highway safety • A commitment to customer service and sustainability • And, improved access to mobility through technology and finance. If there ever were a window of opportunity – a golden moment – to promote tolling and its benefits, it is now as local and world events threaten to further erode federal transportation funding. A Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives (and an 87-member Republican freshman class) pledge to cut spending this year while state governors cry for fiscal reform. Abroad, revolutions in the Middle East and Northern Africa are dramatically altering the dynamic of U.S. foreign policy and the price of gas. No doubt, there will be less federal money than before. Lack of funds is forcing cashstrapped states to become more entrepreneurial. They are striking out on their own to identify, generate and control their own transportation revenues. Take the Maryland Department of Transportation’s new Intercounty Connector in Maryland is making the difference. This all-electronic toll road, which also features variable pricing, just opened last month. It foreshadows things to come. In a letter, which appeared in the Washington Post, Pat Jones noted: “Tolling and dynamic pricing address two of the biggest transportation challenges we face in this country: a chronic lack of funding and increasing congestion. We should praise the courage and foresight of those who insisted on including these two critical features in the ICC.” Now is the time to get success stories, such as the ICC, in front of lawmakers and urge them to take a fresh look at all financing mechanisms – with tolling first and foremost. It’s the IBTTA’s job to initiate and guide that conversation, which brings us to our first tool. We can make the difference by meeting with lawmakers this week. Tap into those first-love feelings about tolling – why you entered the industry, and more important, why you’re still here – and use that passion to deliver these four key messages: 2
First, state the problem: We recognize Congress’ unwillingness to increase the federal gas tax because of the wave of reformers calling for fiscal responsibility. Second, introduce the solution: The toll industry is prepared to relieve lawmakers of this burden by assuming the mantle of leadership in transportation funding and financing. Third, explain why the solution has merit: Tolling is a way to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure without having to raise the gas tax – and the implementation of tolling is much easier now. Finally, don’t forget the “ask.” End with a call to action: Give us the flexibility to do it! Remove the legal, political and institutional barriers that prevent states from tolling interstate highways. The is our opportunity to tell legislators why tolling is a worthy alternative to the federal gas tax. Note, I said a worthy alternative and not the worthy alternative. Tolling is not the answer in every case, but it is a fair, reliable, time-tested way to fund, develop, and operate road infrastructure. The country has not begun to tap into its full potential, and we must if we are to save our infrastructure. The second tool for meeting my challenge of making the difference is printed on the back of a one-dollar bill. After declaring independence from England, the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin <strong>Frank</strong>lin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to devise a motto for the United States. They selected e pluribus unum. Pluribus is related to the English word “plural.” Unum is related to the English word “unit.” An accurate translation of the motto is “Out of many, one.” E pluribus unum then describes a place where unity and individuality coexist. A place like IBTTA. From our diverse membership of approximately 250 organizations worldwide, we find common ground, common opinions and popular approaches and we amplify them using one voice. Let me tell you how one IBTTA member has already put the “e pluribus unum” strategy to work … In early February, the Illinois Tollway learned of a proposed regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The proposal would consider appointed members of public boards as “municipal advisers,” making them subject to various registration requirements 3
Page 1: Frank McCartney’s Remarks IBTTA L

Opening Remarks, Frank McCartney

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