Infrastructure in the News: December 11, 2009

Newsweek reported that transportation based jobs stimulus could stymie infrastructure reform and the Star-Ledger reported that Gov. Christie of New Jersey defended borrowing for transit upgrades. More in this Infrastructure in the News.

National News

Newsweek:  Putting the Cart Before the Horse
Could a transportation-based jobs stimulus stymie infrastructure reform?

State News

Star-Ledger: Christie defends borrowing for transit upgrades
Gov.-elect Chris Christie yesterday defended his decision to support borrowing more than $1 billion to pay for highway and mass transit improvements, saying it would be "irresponsible" to cut off funding for projects that have already started.

AJC:  Georgia Lifts Ban on Tolling Regular Lanes
The state Department of Transportation has lifted a ban on projects that place tolls on existing regular traffic lanes.  The DOT board lifted the ban as it approved a Managed Lane System Plan, a proposed network of optional toll lanes that would span the far-flung Atlanta metro area.

Providence Business News:  RIPTA lays out plan for streetcars, buses
Expanded bus service, more park-and-ride lots and a network of streetcars could be coming to the city if the state implements recommendations outlined in a report released Thursday by the R.I. Public Transit Authority.

Charlotte Observer: Federal money could help city get streetcar
 The federal government recently said it will distribute $125million nationwide for transit projects that could include streetcars - an announcement that Charlotte officials said could help the city's planned center city streetcar line.

Akron Beacon Journal:  Son of stimulus
...Many cities face dire fiscal conditions. More, they serve as the engines of regional economies. Why not pump new resources through Community Development Block Grants, or via a similar mechanism? For some reason, the president has cast aside his promising idea for a national infrastructure bank, an attempt to leverage more effectively money for public works.