Methodology for Estimating Impact of Transportation Infrastructure on Business Location in Rural Northwest Communities.

摘要

The deregulatory movement of the late 1970's/early 1980's has brought renewed interest in rural areas. In particular, policymakers have been concerned with possible loss of service to small communities due to rail abandonments, and loss of air, truck, and bus service following regulatory reform. Although it is not clear that deregulation has been the cause of rural problems, policymakers would like to know the impact of deregulation-induced reductions on economic development in these communities. Accordingly, the purpose of the study was to examine the importance of transportation infrastructure and service as a determinant of economic development in non-metropolitan communities in the Pacific Northwest. Due to reduction in both funding and the term of the contract, the study does not provide any empirical estimates. Rather, the report provides general background on the relationship between transportation and economic development. The methodologies available for assessing the role of transportation in economic development are then explored and recommendations made for implementation of an empirical study in the Pacific Northwest.