Surface Transportation Policy Partnership

The Surface Transportation Policy Partnership (STPP), formerly known as the Surface Transportation Policy Project, is a U.S. non-profit organization, classified as a 501(c)(3) entity. It was established in 1991 with the primary goal of reforming the national surface transportation policy to emphasize safer communities, smarter transportation choices, economic enhancement, public health improvement, social equity, and environmental protection.

History and Impact

STPP was founded during a pivotal moment in the restructuring of the Federal surface transportation program. In May 1991, the organization published a set of goals and reform provisions in Acting in the National Interest. These goals centered on the economy, energy efficiency, environmental quality, and enhanced communities. Shortly after, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led by Senators Daniel Patrick Moynihan and John Chafee, introduced a bill that incorporated many of STPP's proposals. This effort culminated in the passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), a landmark piece of legislation that marked a significant shift in federal transportation policy by introducing flexible funding programs such as the Surface Transportation Block Grant program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program.

The Role in Transportation Reform

Over the years, STPP served as a convener for diverse organizations interested in reforming traditional transportation planning and decision-making processes. It played a crucial role in the evolution of subsequent reauthorizations of ISTEA, including the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). However, in recent years, STPP has transitioned its lead role in transportation reform to other organizations like Reconnecting America, Smart Growth America, and Transportation for America.

Current Activities

Today, STPP enjoys an emeritus status within the transportation reform movement. The organization continues to monitor emerging trends and challenges in transportation policy. It is also engaged in two ongoing major initiatives: the OneRail Coalition and the National Park Service Transportation Project. The STPP Forum periodically convenes experienced professionals to discuss and assess ongoing transportation reform challenges.

Legacy

The contributions of STPP have been influential in shaping U.S. transportation policy to be more inclusive and sustainable. Its advocacy has supported the integration of environmental considerations, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and community involvement in transportation planning. Despite its more advisory role today, STPP's historical impact on transportation policy remains significant.

[1] https://transact.enotrans.org/stpp-history/ [2] https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rural-surface-transportation-grant-program [3] https://static.ewg.org/files/DC.pdf [4] https://reason.org/commentary/reforming-federal-surface-transportation-policy/ [5] https://environment.transportation.org/state-of-the-practice/policy/transportation-policy/transportation-policy-overview/