3) Federal transportation policy should be flexible on the “how” while being specific about outcomes. We need to focus more on accountability for the specific outcomes we want to achieve — economic growth, job creation — rather than on the strategies used to achieve them.

Let Them Use Spoons

Travelling in a far-off region of the world, iconic American economist Milton Friedman was shown work on a huge roadbuilding project by his proud hosts. A vast group of laborers were moving earth with shovels, no big earthmoving iron in sight. He asked the obvious question and was told that if massive machinery was used, it might be faster, but there would be fewer jobs created in the construction industry. Ah, says Friedman, if it’s job creation you want, why not use spoons instead of shovels?