The complexity and diversity of rural America, and the associated variety of needs and expectations for transportation, call for flexible and integrated responses at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.

The quality and quantity of the transportation systems that serve rural America have been steadily eroding for many decades. Economic and demographic shifts, deregulation, and underinvestment, have all had detrimental impacts on the economic opportunities in rural America and the quality of life of rural residents.

And, as is the case in other public sectors, rural transportation decision-making has suffered from the more limited resources and technical capacities which rural county and municipal jurisdictions have at their disposal, compared to their urban counterparts. Consequently, rural interests are less able to participate in transportation planning and priority setting.

Transportation is an essential component of rural economic development and quality of life considerations. However, in the past federal transportation priorities and investments have not always been adequately aligned with local and regional needs and priorities because of structural impediments to collaboration. This has resulted in economic development, cost of living, accessibility, safety, health, and overall quality of life outcomes that have not achieved their full potential.

A recent policy brief prepared by the Rural Policy Research Institute proposed the following policy goals for investment in rural transportation:

• Build capacity to support local engagement in planning, decision-making and resource allocation
• Encourage innovation and integration to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of these investments
• Shift resources, where appropriate, to address the most pressing rural needs and opportunities
• Encourage integrated regional planning and implementation; and
• Improved quality of life in rural communities

See: Brian Dabson, Thomas G. Johnson, and Charles W. Fluharty, Rethinking Federal Investments in Rural Transportation: Rural Considerations Regarding Reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act. RUPRI Rural Policy Brief, April 2011  

The Rural Futures Lab will be exploring the impact of transportation investment on the productive capacity of rural America to respond to the opportunities in food, energy, natural resources, and ecosystem services.