2008 NAR Policy Accomplishments - Transportation and Infrastructure

Positioned NAR to advocate before Congress a comprehensive transportation policy when existing federal transportation law expires in 2009. NAR revised its policy statement calling for a substantial federal investment in transportation infrastructure based on a tax increase, even-handed treatment of highway and transit funding, integration of transportation planning within a comprehensive community vision, and consideration of the needs of all types of transportation users (including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders) in every transportation project.
Supported legislation authorizing the availability of federal assistance principally to small rural communities whose economies are linked to timber harvesting in the National Forests. These communities, located in or near National Forests, have little available tax base of their own to pay for essential services such as schools, law enforcement, and emergency response. The authorization for this assistance program expired in 2006.