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AIA Partners with Transportation for America and Calls for Presidential Candidates to Discuss Plans for Addressing Nation’s Infrastructure
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For Immediate Release |
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Washington, D.C., October 15,
2008 — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is joining with other
real estate, environmental, transportation and business groups to
call on the presidential candidates to discuss their plans for
fixing America’s transportation system at tonight’s final
debate.
“A perfect storm of rising energy prices, climate change and
population growth has taxed our system of roads, bridges and rail
lines to the breaking point,” said Paul Mendelsohn, AIA vice
president, Government and Community Relations. “With estimates
that traffic congestion costs our economy $80 billion per year and
that it will take up to $1.6 trillion to fix our existing
infrastructure, now is the time for the candidates to lay out their
plans for investing in a 21st century infrastructure that will keep
us competitive in the global marketplace and improve the quality of
life for millions of Americans.”
The AIA is a partner in Transportation for America (www.t4america.org), a new
coalition formed to advocate for national transportation policies
that will lead to a modern infrastructure and healthy communities.
Last January, the AIA released its study, Moving Communities
Forward (www.movingcommunitiesforward.org)
that identified how well-designed transportation projects can
improve communities’ economic property, sustainability and
safety. The study noted that linking transportation planning with
development and housing plans – one of the key principles of
Transportation for America - can lead to more vibrant, safer,
environmentally friendly and attractive communities.
Mendelsohn added that an investment in 21st century transportation
improvements like the ones studied in the AIA report and advocated
by Transportation for America will not only ease congestion and
improve the environment, but will serve as an immediate economic
stimulus. “We urge both Senators McCain and Obama to make this
a top priority on behalf of our communities and our nation’s
economic well-being.”
About The American Institute of
Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects
have worked with each other and their communities to create more
valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and
cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and
techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the
leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address
climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design.
Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.
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