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Haley Barbour on Technology
Former Republican MS Governor (until 2012)
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More funding for highway construction & improvement
A serious job creation issue is highway infrastructure. Toyota is a “just in time” manufacturer, so logistics are crucial to success. We have some gaps in our highway system that need to be addressed if we are to garner the number of supplier jobs that
are available to us. I will ask [the state legislature] to expand the Economic Development Highway Program not only to provide funding for key links but also to materially expedite the construction process. This Act requires special funding, over and
above MDOT’s $1 billion annual budget.
We must be able to respond quickly and effectively if we are to keep winning the race to help Mississippians have better, higher paying jobs. Further and in the future, we need more options for funding key
transportation infrastructure. I applaud the Legislature for passing a law last year allowing toll roads to be built when non-toll alternatives are available. We need creative thinking if we are to meet our transportation needs, especially for job creati
Source: 2008 State of the State address to state legislature
, Jan 21, 2008
Remove limitations on privatizing airports
Infrastructure development should be based on market, not government, determinations. For example, airlines, cities, and the flying public have a much greater interest in determining how many airports are needed--and where--than does the FAA.
Limitations on privatizing airports should be removed. Limitations on toll roads about be removed, and the user fees generated to cover the costs of construction and operation should not be funneled through the federal government.
These steps would help channel infrastructure development to those areas that transportation users have deemed the most useful--not to those industries that have the
most political clout or to those districts where members of the congressional transportation committees reside.
Source: Agenda For America, by Haley Barbour, p. 31
, Apr 25, 1996
Page last updated: Apr 25, 2013