Evaluating the Economic Impact of Freight Investment in Unique Economies Using Input-Output

This research investigates the economic impact transportation infrastructure investments have on distinct economies. Using Input-Output analysis, it compares five Midwestern economies with varying levels of freight specialization. The primary objective and contribution of this thesis is to provide insight about how the impact of freight transportation projects varies across different regional economies. As the research is designed to assist policymakers in making better-informed decisions when allocating scarce resources, the most significant finding is that a significant reduction in freight delay has minimal impact on policy decisions. Therefore, additional tools should be used to gain further insight into the impact of such projects.