Richland County and the city of Columbia announced the opening of the National Multi–Modal Transportation Study Commission Monday, November 2, 2009 at a press conference at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Richland County Council member Joyce Dickerson opened the press conference by saying what a great opportunity it is for Richland County and Columbia to be hosting the event and addressing transportation issues for the Midlands. Dickerson was especially interested in interconnecting rail transportation.

Mayor Bob Coble said he was delighted the conference was being held in Columbia and offered the opportunity for partnership between the various entities involved.

Congressman Joe Wilson said he was honored to be included and was especially glad Dickerson was participating. She had been in Washington recently to discuss high speed internet service. Wilson said it is important for each community to put together all modes of transportation to link areas and reduce transportation costs.

Columbia Chamber president Ike McLeese welcomed visitors to the area and reminded those in attendance that Columbia was one of only 11 communities nationally with three interstates in the vicinity.

Steve Adams, from the National Multi–Modal Transportation steering committee, said America is losing ground to China and India, countries that are discovering how important a national transportation plan is not only to inter–country travel but to national commerce. Adams said the US had lost its effective national transportation system and needed to redesign one.

Congressman Wilson pointed out how close Columbia is to I–95 and I–85, and the growing area he called, Charlanta, the large metropolitan area between Charlotte and Atlanta, linked by I–85, that is essential to the Southeast. Wilson said he was confident an area transportation plan could be passed and funded without adding any new taxes.

McLeese said a permanent funding source was needed for the transportation future of Columbia. Dickerson said she was confident the Richland County Council would have a proposal ready for voters in 2010 that would address the transportation needs of the county.

The National Multi- Modal Transportation Study Commission met Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3. A group of business and political leaders from across the country were to take a comprehensive approach to solving the nation’s transportation issues. Included in the discussions were roads, high speed rail, air travel, and ports. The commission is planning a proposal to take to Washington to further fund transportation in the U.S. and plan for future decades.