February 1996 - Back to Table of Contents

Planning

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Infrastructure Bank Conference Carries New Messages

On Nov. 29, 1995, participants from the public and private sectors converged in Denver to attend a 1-day conference on Infrastructure Banks. The conference was cosponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration. It brought together more than 150 people, with broad representation from every mode of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), State transportation departments, the National Conference of State Legislators, transportation consultants, and investment bankers.

The conference was timely as the previous day President Clinton signed the National Highway System (NHS) designation bill, which contains State infrastructure bank (SIE) language in Section 350.

The focus of the conference was to educate and exchange ideas on how the Nation's increasing transportation needs can be met through the implementation of infrastructure banks at the State or regional level.

Jane Garvey, Deputy Federal Highway Administrator, moderated the conference which was grouped into four panels. Jane Garvey, Joseph Giglio of Apogee Research, and John Platt of the Ohio Department of Transportion discussed why infrastructure banks are needed. The second panel was comprised of Steve Martin of U.S. DOT, Yvonne Addington of the Oregon Economic Development Department, and Anne Sowder of Government Finance Group. Each of these participants discussed the different types of infrastructure banks and how to use their tools. Louise Stoll of U.S. DOT, Mariam Roskin of Infrastructure Management Group, and Jean DeLuca of Palmer & Dodge explained how to set up an infrastructure bank. The final panel consisted of Norm Emerson of Alameda Corridor, David Lewis of Hickling Lewis Bred Inc., and Ron Marino of Smith Barney. This panel focused on engaging and building public support for new approaches in transportation financing. A background paper titled State Infrastructure Banks: A Primer is available by request.

- Cheryle Bailey, (202) 366-6949.