Infrastructure in the News: January 24, 2012

NATIONAL NEWS

Politico: Small battles will dominate Hill agenda

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71853.html

If 2011 seemed like one long Civil War epic for Congress, 2012 is more like “Ragtime,” a tale of small, interlocking battles, blending history and novel in the run-up to the next Big Bang — the November elections and a very bloody lame-duck session in December.

The Takeaway: The President's Transportation Transformation

http://www.thetakeaway.org/2012/jan/24/presidents-transportation-transformation/

A year ago President Obama announced his plans for high speed rail lines and other cutting edge transportation for the nation. But after many defeats in Congress, including the de-funding of high-speed rail, the President’s transportation initiative suddenly seems less futuristic and more focused on rebuilding the old highways of the past. To answer where the president stands on the eve of his re-election is Alex Goldmark, reporter for Takeaway flagship station WNYC’s Transportation Nation team.

STATE NEWS

Colorado Statesman: Challenges lie ahead for municipal infrastructure

http://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/993263-challenges-lie-ahead-municipal-infrastructure

The 2012 Colorado Municipal League State of Our Cities & Towns survey provides some insight into the depth of the infrastructure problem. Half of all cities and towns report unfunded street projects; 24 percent bridge projects; one third are looking for funding for repair or replacement projects for public buildings; 24 percent need dollars to replace wastewater plants; and 16 percent have drinking water facilities that are awaiting funding.

Stateline: Transit gets Republican boost in Indiana and Michigan

http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=626714

Public transit in Indianapolis and Detroit got a boost in recent weeks from Republican governors in their states, as both Indiana’s Mitch Daniels and Michigan’s Rick Snyder backed plans to let local voters decide whether to raise taxes for transit. “We should trust the people of central Indiana with the decision whether to raise local dollars for mass transit if they believe it crucial to their future quality of life,” Daniels said during his State of the State speech.

Legislative Gazette: Efficiency, leveraged spending are a big part of Cuomo's savings plan

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2012-01-23-81226.113122-Efficiency-leveraged-spending-are-a-big-part-of-Cuomos-savings-plan.html

In his budget address last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined his proposal for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, which would again close a multi-billion dollar budget deficit. Facing a $3.5 billion gap, the Cuomo administration hopes to balance the books without introducing new taxes, borrowing or selling state assets. Topping his list of priorities is increased efficiency within state government, further control over spending, mandate relief for local governments and infrastructure investment.

WINA: State Can Sell Naming Rights For Road Infrastructure

http://www.wina.com/State-Can-Sell-Naming-Rights-For-Road-Infrastructu/12068435

Governor McDonnell has authorized the Commonwealth Transportation Board to sell naming rights for the state's transportation infrastructure.  This is a move that could lead to private entities paying a yearly fee and sticking their names on highways, interchanges, bridges and other infrastructure.  The proceeds from roadway naming rights would go to Virginia's Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund.