Long-term infrastructure: Isn’t this all about economic development?

From update mention about US federal highway bill in TTNews

Isn’t this all about economic development?  Seems like the leaders on this, and related federal infrastructure planning should be economic developers.  But instead, transport issues are relegated to transport interests.  A thoughtful strategy (read: that’s not necessarily a spending bill) requires economic development interests to support, lead and be the brains behind what the US needs to increase it’s competitiveness nationally.  This US national perspective would be in the best of worlds a roll-up of regional and state strategies that understood competitiveness and the role for public and private infrastructure.  Are we getting closer?  I am not sure.  I hope so.  There are some signs of light at the State level, mostly good intentions still led by transport planners and a small group of consultants.