"We need to assure the economic vitality of this great nation so that we can enhance the quality of life of all Americans and assure that we have 21st century policies that are responsive to the diverse needs of this great country," Mineta said. "Today, however, we are facing a transitional moment in transportation public policy. We are facing new challenges now not only in how much do we fund infrastructure, but more importantly today, how we will fund infrastructure in this country."

Mineta spoke about a recent report he helped write for the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. The report concludes that without new ways to fund America's ailing transportation system, the nation will not be able to continue to compete economically with the rest of the world. (see Oct. 8 AASHTO Journal story) Mineta told the AASHTO audience that the report stresses Congress needs to move transportation to the front burner.

"More members of Congress, including the leadership on both sides of the aisle, need to spend more time on this issue," he said. "The transportation system in this country needs to be funded in a stable and reliable way now so those that plan and perform construction know when and how much."

Slater emphasized that transportation officials must continue to come up with more funding sources than just gasoline taxes. Other forms of financing are critical to maintaining a strong transportation network in the years to come, he said. Even though Congress has failed to enact a long-term surface transportation reauthorization measure, state DOTs can take the initiative to move projects ahead on their own, he stressed.

"We as transportation officials and leaders cannot stand idly by waiting for someone else to act. We have to act and encourage others to join us in our cause," Slater told AASHTO delegates. "We are being challenged to look beyond the traditional project delivery and funding mechanisms, to think and act anew. We are asked to seek smarter and more efficient strategies. We are asked and challenged to more creative. We must have the courage to do new things."

For example, Slater cited the Capital Beltway HOT Lanes Project in Northern Virginia as an excellent example of innovative financing at work. The Virginia Department of Transportation partnered with a private consortium to construct four additional lanes along 14 miles of the often-congested Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) that encircles the nation's capital. The $2 billion project is financed by both the state and the private sector. Revenue will flow once the managed lanes open and low-occupancy vehicles pay tolls to use the express lanes.

"This represents the next generation of public/private partnerships in this country, which will allow us to put innovation and privatization to work along with public-sector dollars," Slater said.

Slater called mobility "the essence of our country" and noted its critical importance to America's economy.

"If that system is clogged or is not functioning properly, then the economic system itself is not able to function effectively," he said. "We can't be as competitive globally and we can't enjoy life as we have come to expect it. We do have to make the sale. I was listening very carefully to [Mineta]. He kept saying, 'We are not getting our message across.' I know it's something people should know. Well, they don't know. If they knew, we would have more public support."

Mineta also urged state transportation executives to pursue innovative financing opportunities without sitting around waiting for Congress to pass a long-term reauthorization.

"There are billions of dollars in private money waiting to make capital investments for transportation and other infrastructure," Mineta said. "Though transportation is obviously only one of the many daunting challenges that America faces today, it remains an exceptionally important one. Without investing adequately in transportation to refresh our models for funding and managing our system, America is in danger of losing its competitive edge."