Multimodal Transportation Assets, Needs and Recommendations Report
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Delta Regional Authority Multimodal Transportation Assets, Needs and Recommendations Report July 2008 SAFETEA–LU Section 1923 1st Edition Disclaimer: Personnel from various agencies within the U.S. Department of Transportation pro- vided information to the Delta Regional Authority during the study which led to this report. Similarly, personnel from such agencies may have made comments regarding factual assertions in various drafts of this report. However, neither the U.S. Depart- ment of Transportation nor any of its agencies necessarily endorse this report nor con- cur with any recommendation contained in the report. July 18, 2008 When Congress directed the Delta Regional Authority to prepare a report on the multimodal transportation assets and needs in our region, along with recommendations, we were delighted to take on the task. It fits perfectly into the DRA's role as a planner, coordinator of resources and advocate for the Delta. We also will prepare a strategic plan that's designed to guide the implementation of the recommendations in this report. That task also was directed by Congress in section 1923 of the 2005 national highway act. This report complements our Delta Development Highway System plan, which was released last year. When the DRA was created by Congress in 2000, one of the investment priorities outlined was the transportation infrastructure of the region. We've made numerous infrastructure investments in recent years. With the help of state departments of transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and local stakeholders, the Delta Development Highway System plan was compiled. It identified 3,843 miles of highways slated for improvements at a cost of $18.5 billion. We estimated that completion of the system would result in annual economic benefits of $3.5 billion. Next, we began work on the multimodal transportation report. During the past year, thousands of hours have been devoted to compiling this report. Eighteen meetings were held across the region, and input was received from more than 500 key players. We identified the assets and needs for highways, bridges, intelligent transportation systems, freight rail, passenger rail, waterways, public ports, locks and public airports in our region. Then, we made recommendations to improve the multimodal transportation system. Our report is a definitive one because of this intense outreach effort. I want to thank all of those who played a role in the process. We worked closely with federal, state and local agencies to ensure that our report dovetails into their efforts. We also received guidance from the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Committee's "Transportation for Tomorrow" report, which was released in December. This effort provided guiding principles for our recommendations: safety, efficiency, congestion reduction, economic development, energy concerns and environmental concerns. More than $200 billion in investments will be needed during the next 25 years to ensure the efficient movement of people and goods in the Delta. This region has become a vital cog in the world logistics and distribution network. Our report shows why making these investments will be a wise move as this country competes in the increasingly complex global economy of the new century. Sincerely, Pete Johnson Federal Co-Chairman Delta Regional Authority TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Executive Summary.................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Highway and Bridges............................................................................................................ 3 1.2 Intermodal Facilities ............................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Intelligent Transportation Systems ....................................................................................... 3 1.4 Freight Rail ........................................................................................................................... 4 1.5 Passenger Rail....................................................................................................................... 4 1.6 Air Transportation................................................................................................................. 4 1.7 Waterways............................................................................................................................. 5 1.8 Recommendations................................................................................................................. 5 2. Introduction................................................................................................................................. 7 2.1 Future Challenges to Transportation Infrastructure.............................................................. 7 2.2 Global Trade and the DRA region’s Strategic Location....................................................... 8 2.2.1 The Memphis Logistics Hub.......................................................................................... 9 2.2.2 The Inland Waterway System...................................................................................... 10 2.2.3 Public Water Ports ....................................................................................................... 10 2.2.4 Petroleum Industry....................................................................................................... 11 2.2.5 Bio-Energy Industry..................................................................................................... 12 2.3 Enhancing Mobility ............................................................................................................ 12 2.3.1 Highways and Bridges ................................................................................................. 13 2.3.2 Intelligent Transportation Systems .............................................................................. 14 2.3.3 Freight Rail .................................................................................................................. 14 2.3.4 Passenger Rail.............................................................................................................. 14 2.3.5 Air Transportation........................................................................................................ 15 2.3.6 Waterways, Ports and Locks........................................................................................ 15 2.4 Improving Intermodal Connectivity and Expanding Goods Movement............................. 15 2.5 Benefits of Intermodal Connectivity and Additional Options ............................................ 16 2.6 Benefits of Improving the Multimodal Transportation System.......................................... 16 2.7 Developing a Strategic Plan to Achieve Results................................................................. 18 3. SAFETEA-LU Section 1923 .................................................................................................... 19 4. Regional Coordination.............................................................................................................. 21 4.1 Round 1 Meetings............................................................................................................... 21 4.2 Round 2 Meetings............................................................................................................... 22 4.3 Regional Coordination........................................................................................................ 23 4.4 Meeting Participants ........................................................................................................... 24 4.4.1 Round One ................................................................................................................... 24 4.4.2 Round Two................................................................................................................... 33 4.5 Project Website ................................................................................................................... 44 4.6 Local Participation.............................................................................................................. 44 5. Assets and Needs Methodology................................................................................................ 45 5.1 Modal Asset Methodology.................................................................................................. 45 Page i 5.1.1 Highways and Bridges ................................................................................................. 47 5.1.2 Intelligent Transportation Systems .............................................................................. 51 5.1.3 Freight Rail .................................................................................................................. 52 5.1.4 Passenger Rail.............................................................................................................. 54 5.1.5 Aviation........................................................................................................................ 56 5.1.6 Public Ports .................................................................................................................. 61 5.1.7 Locks............................................................................................................................ 63 5.2 Modal Needs Methodology ...............................................................................................