Re: The Wrong Critique-Problems with American infrastructure projects extend far beyond cost overruns
Author: BOB2
Date: 12-19-2021 - 17:52
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> A good read. It starts by criticizing Vartabedian.
It's a lot of the critiques of Levy, many spot on.
The tradeoffs on costs, is supposed to be doen earlier, in the process with project/corridors "purpose and needs" amalysis, and then in doing alternatives analsysis. This process should use "observed" travel "needs" (revealed preference/not magic wishes...) and cost/benefit, to develop project alternatives that try to optimize cost tradeoffs in an open public process. But, this is becoming increasingly "passes", we "build it and they will come" (the contractors certainly will...) "we must have the most splendid fasteest or all powerful" form of project, regardless of cost, or even actual benefits.... It must be "bitchen" and cool.... Some of the more infamous and costly fiascos have this in common.....
Inviting the public "hoi poloi" into the process, as noted, is, in fact, increasingly designed to fill out the "feed bag", with whatever fantasy "design" will fullfill the feed reqirements at this political trough, and it is just more oats for the birds to forage for in the resuling dung heap of taxpayer waste.....