Monday, May 17, 2010

The Hill reported that construction workers launched a campaign to pass a highway repair bill and DC Streetsblog wrote on the potential for private investments in transit. More in this Infrastructure in the News.

 

National News

Politico: James Oberstar stymied on transit bill
lIt was supposed to be a career-defining moment for Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.). He finally held the gavel of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, after four decades of waiting and had a like-minded president in office to help enact his sweeping vision for highways and public works. But Oberstar was cut down before he even got started. Hours after he began circulating his plan last spring for a six-year, $500 billion investment in roads and rail, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood simply called for an extension of the 2005 highway bill — effectively cutting off long-term expansion plans.

The Hill: Construction workers launch campaign to pass highway repair bill
The main union for construction workers is launching a multi-state, multi-million dollar campaign aimed at winning Senate support for a highway bill. The union also plans to run billboard ads informing motorists that there are 598 structurally deficient bridges in the state. The ads also will ask Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet (D) and Mark Udall (D) for help.

DC Streetsblog: The Potential for Private Investment in Transit
Could private developers be the key to developing the nation’s transit infrastructure?

 

 

State News

Florida 13 News: Feds Approve High-Speed Rail Plan
It’s been a controversial project from the beginning, but despite its critics, high-speed rail has managed to push through. Many have asked if Florida really needs a high-speed line, and more importantly, if it was worth the cost. 

Hartford Courant: Decade Brought Needed Focus On Infrastructure
It's become popular sport to deride the first decade of this century, the 2000-2009 years, as a downhill ride of terrorism, war and economic depression. But there's one multisyllabic word that enjoyed a big comeback after decades of neglect. That word: infrastructure. We at least began to think about the physical systems that support us, nurture us, and make much of life possible.