by Julia Pulidindi

Financing was the hot topic as the Transportation Infrastructure and Services (TIS) steering committee held its fall meeting in Sunrise, Fla., Oct. 12-14.

The committee, chaired by Bill Brooks, mayor of Belle Isle, Fla., has been in the process of exploring financing options for various transportation modes and, at the meeting, got an in-depth look at several innovative ideas.

Javier Rodriguez with the Florida Department of Transportation spoke to the TIS committee about how public-private partnerships are gaining momentum. The Port of Miami Tunnel and Access Improvement Project serves as a top example. In discussion for the past 25 years, the project may become a reality very soon thanks to a successful collaboration between public and private entities.

The committee also heard from a fellow local elected official, Steve Adams, councilmember, Riverside, Calif., concerning innovative uses for shipping container fees. His pioneering project relies on a voluntary, industry-supported premium, which helps fund port rail expansion and train grade separations.

In the critical area of surface transportation funding, the committee began preparations for a hearing of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. A field hearing, co-hosted by NLC and the other national organizations representing state and local government, will be held in April, with the theme, ?The Voice of State and Local Government on National Transportation Policy.?

The steering committee made recommendations to assist the development of a survey, which will be distributed to member cities, in anticipation of a report to be delivered at the hearing.

The TIS committee is forwarding several policy initiatives, including encouraging innovative technologies and demonstration projects for public transportation, and supporting commuter transportation at port facilities such as ferries. It also reviewed resolutions and forwarded two new topics, one on rail safety and one on customs fees for shipping infrastructure and development, during the meeting.

Recommendations will be brought to the full TIS policy and advocacy committee, which will meet Dec. 6 at the Congress of Cities and Exposition in Reno, Nev.