This video features a speech by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao at the 2019 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual meeting Oct. 8, in St. Louis. Chao used the occasion to discuss the R.O.U.T.E. Initiative, which is short for “Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success.”
In her speech Chao said ROUTE it will be focused on addressing the “disparities” in rural transportation infrastructure in order to “tangibly improve safety and economic competitiveness” in all parts of the country. Sec. Chao pointed out that state DOTs “know that the power of transportation is huge” in terms of transforming the quality of life for all American citizens. “Transportation has an enduring impact on society – so bit by bit, project by project, mile by mile, we are laying the groundwork for a better future and strong America for all our people,” she said.