o I will ensure Alabama has an efficient transportation system in order to attract businesses, commerce and tourism to Alabama;

o My administration will target short-term and long-term infrastructure projects to the populations and industries that use our roads, bridges, rivers, and railways;

o I will build consensus among Alabama's leaders to end political and transportation gridlock;

o I will be personally involved in planning Alabama's infrastructure to ensure the success of its long-term forecasting and planning;

o I will provide local governments increased authority to prioritize projects that need immediate attention;

o I will work with our Congressional delegation to plan for increases in population and subcontractors due to BRAC decision;

o I will examine how to complete an I-10 Corridor connector for Southeastern Alabama;

o I will work with the legislature to create a Western Corridor from Mobile to the Tri-Cities;

o The travel and tourism industry will receive special consideration in my plan for "Population and Industry Specific Infrastructure," and I will promote projects that ensure visitors return.

Modernizing the Department of Transportation

I will create a bipartisan panel of experts to recommend the best ways to modernize the Alabama Department of Transportation.  These experts will be chosen to thoroughly and independently evaluate the performance of the major modes of transportation within Alabama.  I will direct them to eliminate waste, duplication, and inefficiencies in the current system by adopting new technology such as Government 2.0 web-based computing systems and applications similar to those being adopted by the federal government.  

The panel will include citizens and community leaders from each region of Alabama who will critically examine challenges relating to the geographic direction of population growth trends.  As an example of planning for industry and population specific infrastructure, my staff and I will evaluate options for implementing a four-lane, north-to-south traffic corridor for both East and West Alabama.  One advantage of this type of evaluation is the economic benefit to workers which arise from increased productivity associated with reduced traffic congestion for Alabama. 

Accountability for State Contractors

Alabama should demand high standards from those receiving state contracts.  I will require short-term goals that produce long term results, accountability and benchmarks for state contractors.  Under my administration, the Department of Transportation will provide performance-based incentives for contractors to keep Alabama moving in times of infrastructure reconstruction and redevelopment.

Highway Transportation
Alabama's transportation infrastructure is the backbone of our state.  Roads afflicted by traffic congestion reduce worker productivity in places like Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal.  To address problems like this I will establish a transportation commission to direct the highway department to prioritize projects according to the greatest need, and to ensure that roads are built when and where they are needed.  

Alabama will need to consider likely community growth while planning to meet transportation and infrastructure demands and workforce development needs.  Managing our infrastructure investments in this manner will create an environment that allows businesses near new developments to prosper and which will encourage growth.  For example, identifying and prioritizing transportation needs around Redstone Arsenal will include evaluating expansions of Martin Road, Rideout Road, Memorial Parkway, the development of a Northern Bypass, University Drive, Winchester Road, and Zierdt Road. 

Improving our transportation system is also important for increasing tourism and return visits by people from outside of Alabama.   Our state is blessed with some of the top sporting events in the world.  With powerhouse football teams such as Auburn and Alabama, world-class racing at Talladega Superspeedway and Barber Motorsports Park, and classic family outings with the Birmingham Barons and Montgomery Biscuits, our travel industry could not be more ripe for the picking.  Visitor will return if we construct infrastructure that allows them to reach their destination quickly and conveniently.

Rail & Water Transportation

I will seek to upgrade our rail and water-based transportation modalities. We need to cultivate Alabama's shipping railways and industrial development in areas strained by the need for growth.  For example, the Port of Mobile's infrastructure also should include modern in-land modes of transportation to help Alabama expand its sphere of influence in international commerce. This will allow Mobile to remain Alabama's gateway to the world. 

We must also take advantage of Alabama's navigable rivers and waterways to expand and update transportation from ports and other industrial centers to help foster economic growth. To keep our waterways navigable and beautiful, Alabama must win the water war with Georgia and prevent inter-basin transfers of water without replacement.

Air Transportation

Our state government should provide the greatest assistance possible to upgrade and expand airports and general aviation facilities in Alabama's major and emerging cities.  I will make lengthening runways across Alabama a priority for Alabama's Department of Transportation.  This will increase commerce by allowing larger aircraft to travel to and from our state.  I also will support expanding the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to meet future demand.