Smooth, efficient goods movement is essential to thriving “production” communities (those which depend on a single industry, such as agriculture, manufacturing or mining), which comprise roughly half of rural America (Source NCHRP 582 Table A, page 32). Trucks, rail cars, barges, and cargo planes move millions of tons of food and manufactured products from rural areas to regional, national, and global markets. Infrastructure that allows freight to move quickly and efficiently is critical to economic success. However, it is equally critical to preserve the critical natural resources that support a production economy, and, in many cases, the cultural and historic assets that present opportunities for diversification in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
In order to sustain long-term prosperity, rural communities must make the most of all their current and potential assets. When planned and designed contextually, high-speed roads, railways, and expanded bridges will not inadvertently damage natural or cultural resources. CSS approaches can help rural communities to improve and ensure the quality of critical transportation routes while also enhancing and preserving the character and integrity of historic towns and natural assets.
