If only there were a crystal ball. It would be so nice to know when the transportation funding issues will stabilize and we can all shift our focus from the question of where will we get our next project to how can we best DO the project? It's been a challenging time for many of us - engineering consultants, contractors and even the public sector employees. The good news is that some of our states are doing better than others, and some companies - believe it or not - are doing just fine thanks to well-planning stimulus money usage.

In Florida things have been especially tough, but there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel for those of us who are flexible and are taking this time to plan ahead. Below are a few of my predictions for the near future that apply to the transportation industry nationwide. Maybe a quick look will spur you to reposition your firm to ensure that you get a piece of the pie.

1. There will be an increase in opportunities for INTERNATIONAL FUNDING for public projects. Like it or not, our US economy is fairly leveraged at the moment, while our infrastructure is in obvious need of both maintenance and expansion. Our government officials are trying very hard to locate funding from any source and private companies abroad are lining up to invest. Tough decisions need to be made, and state and federally funded projects (and jobs) are becoming increasingly sparse. An infusion of international cash takes on a significant allure when you realize that the lack of new roadways severely limits mobility and growth of our cities and businesses. An infusion of cash from a outside source also seems more palatable when you consider how many engineers and construction workers are laid off due to lack of work.

As an industry we have been resistant to what some term as selling off our assets to a foreign investor, but at the same time, our customer base demands a high level of service. We need to face the fact that international funding is likely inevitable whether we embrace it or not.

This reminds me of the analogy where there is a room full of people who are all given spoons and a feast is placed before them, but they cannot bend their arms to eat. No matter what they do, they cannot feed themselves. The clever survivors are the ones who chose to use their spoons to feed one another. When P3's are based on mutual respect and care by all parties, everyone wins.

2. More states will opt for TOLL ROADS for new routes. Again, this relates to funding. Roads are not free. Federal and state funding is tight. The gas tax is not the funding mechanism it once was due to more fuel efficient vehicles. And America's drivers are getting more used to the toll road concept. So...there will be likely be more toll roads in our urban areas, though I strongly believe that converting existing interstates to toll roads will be met with such enormous opposition that few politicians will be brave enough to suggest it! Good news for the interstate drivers...there is an effort underway to provide toll system payment interoperability nationwide. That means that you could purchase one type of transponder that would allow you to travel from state to state using the same account.

3. There will be more EMPHASIS ON SAFETY in the design and construction of roadways. There is a huge push nationwide for larger and brighter signage, better pavement markings to aid in nighttime driving; and things like rumble strips, cable and other guardrails, etc. More emphasis will be placed on maintenance of traffic that allows the flow of traffic but does more to protect our workers. I also predict that there will be some legislation passed nationwide regarding the use of cell phones and texting. In 2008 NHTSA reported the highway death count at 37,261, and even though this is a drop of 9.7 percent from 2007, it is still way too high and the American public is starting to figure this out. The savvy designer will make safety an important part of the project.

4. There will be more emphasis in networking PUBLIC TRANSIT more efficiently with roadway systems. It is increasingly important for our roadway designers to fully consider the needs of the citizens who wish to take advantage of bus and rail. With increased federal funding for high speed rail and other transit projects, the smart consultant will impress their clients by making mass transit integration a high priority.

5. We will see demand for TRANSPORTATION-RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS. Some areas of the country are already seeing more smart cars, hybrids, etc., and more gas stations and other facilities are building in battery recharging stations. A side note: this presents a challenge to our engineering professionals to find a way to safely design roadways that are shared by light vehicles and the heavier trucks and SUV's. We need some innovation here.

6. I predict that we will see BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS and more legislative accountability for special earmarks. The American public now has better access to funding information, and is increasingly critical of the way monies have been distributed with special earmarks that benefit the few. Additionally, our engineering and construction organizations are finding their voice in Washington and communicating with legislators like never before about the need for more funding, but also smarter funding.

7. The federal transportation planning, design and construction PROCESSES WILL BE STREAMLINED. Senator John Mica, Leader of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said in a recent TEAMFL presentation that he is actively seeking ways to better define the process and cut red tape. Projects need to be completed more efficiently in order to save taxpayers time and money.

8. And finally, I predict that our industry will continue to SHOW our federal leaders INITIATIVE to develop solutions and creative ideas. The leadership in Washington has repeatedly expressed their desire for our engineering and construction professionals to speak up. Organizations are teaming up to submit position papers and proposed legislation for improvements. I believe we will see more of a proactive approach to advise our leadership on transportation issues.

Jackie VanderPol, The Fulcrum International president, sits on the board of directors for both the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) on a national level, and TEAMFL on a local Florida level. Her involvement in these two industry organizations gives her the opportunity to predict some of the trends that will affect our industry.