In the wake of the Minnesota I-35 bridge collapse there was enormous public outcry and recognition of the need to repair our crumbling infrastructure. Americans expected public officials to respond to the tragedy with a large scale effort to address the nearly 73,000 structurally deficient bridges in this country. The findings in this report suggest that did not happen.
I'm shocked, shocked, I tell you.
As Congress prepares a new multi-year, multibillion dollar transportation bill, we explored the intersection of money and politics and recent transportation funding decisions.
We analyzed two data sets and new information that shine light on the influence of campaign giving on transportation funding decisions at the state and federal level. First the report examines, on a state-by-state basis, how much money was
contributed to both federal and state campaigns by highway interests, defined as those from the development, automobile, transportation, and construction sectors. Then, the report looks at the number and dollar amounts of transportation
earmarks from the 2008 federal transportation appropriations bill that were funded in each state to highlight the priorities of members of Congress.
Their own bank accounts, of course.
Key findings:
bill went to bridge repair or restoration.
You can bet your sweet bippy any bridges the congresscritters have to pass over are in excellent repair.
The findings suggest that elected officials often overlook preventative maintenance projects, especially when new capacity projects are encouraged by campaign contributions.
No, really? Hooda thunk it?
PDF of report available at the link.