Infrastructure in the News: July 9, 2010

Sioux City Journal reported that transportation officials are warning of infrastructure woes and according to Orlando Sentinel Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum offered tax incentives for transportation projects. Find out more in this Infrastructure in the News.

National News

National Geographic: The 21st Century Grid
Can we fix the infrastructure that powers our lives?

National Journal: Will High-Speed Rail Drive Business?
...In 2035, the report says, high-speed rail networks around these four hubs could generate as much as $19 billion in new business. What are your thoughts on the economic potential of high-speed rail? Will it generate the bang for the buck that the report says? Are there more cost-efficient ways to link cities?

State News

Sioux City Journal: Transportation leaders warn of infrastructure woes
Transportation officials from across the country are warning that the U.S. transportation system that supports the movement of freight is facing a crisis and are urging new investments in roads and other transportation modes.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: U.S. freight transportation system called lacking
A new report warns of coming gridlock in the nation's freight transportation system: trucks stuck on congested highways, and underdeveloped rail systems and waterways unable to pick up the slack. "Millions of jobs and our nation's long-term economic health are at risk," says "Unlocking Freight," released at three news conferences on Thursday, including one in Harrisburg attended by Gov. Ed Rendell.

Orlando Sentinel: McCollum offers tax incentives for transportation projects
Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum delivered a gift basket to the state’s transportation industry Thursday, unveiling a proposal that he said would speed up road building, finance seaport and airport renovations and, in the process, create thousands of jobs.

Baltimore Sun: Building schools builds the future
Along with other major capital projects such as highways, roads and bridges, school construction is one of the biggest responsibilities of state government. Over the last four years, Maryland has poured more than $250 million annually into school construction and renovation projects that have both enhanced the educational opportunities for its students and produced thousands of jobs for its residents.