Cities' Stimulus Programs Can Add Value At Low Cost

Let's not forget that stimulus spending on infrastructure projects does not have to be limited to the biggest-ticket items because comprehensive transportation networks should also include lower-cost components, like bike trails, river walks and other pedestrian-friendly amenities.

A genuine transportation system knits together all the modalities and uses, especially in cities where much movement already takes place on foot, or on two-wheels - - whether a bicycle or a wheelchair.

A great analysis is here, courtesy of the Congress for the New Urbanism.

Milwaukee triggered hundreds of millions of dollars in construction and employment in the downtown, Third Ward, and Beer Line area with its Riverwalk.

The Henry Aaron State Trail connects downtown and the Menomonee River Valley with the County park system west of the city, helping to being back the Valley and all the development there.

People should be contacting their Congressional representatives to argue for more funding in the stimulus package for transit, but let's not forget that walkable cities and their built neighborhoods are far more sustainable - - financially and environmentally - - than are sprawled-out exurbs and costly new highway lanes through farm fields.

And these same priorities need to be the framework for the reauthorization later this year of the next five-year national transportation bill.

One coalition's plan is here.