NATIONAL NEWS
New York Times: Amtrak at a Junction: Invest in Improvements, or Risk Worsening Problems
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/nyregion/amtrak-infrastructure-crisis.html?_r=0
When Amtrak’s new chief executive took responsibility for two recent train derailments at Pennsylvania Station in New York, it was a low point for a railroad already confronting a series of urgent challenges.
New York Post: Magic Johnson wants to rebuild America’s infrastructure
http://nypost.com/2017/04/25/magic-johnson-wants-to-rebuild-americas-infrastructure/
Magic Johnson hopes he still has the scoring touch. The NBA great said Monday he has millions of dollars in an infrastructure investment fund — and is looking to put it to work around the world.
Bloomberg: Trump Looks to Australia for Infrastructure Guide, Roth Says
As he seeks models for his planned $1 trillion infrastructure program, President Donald Trump is looking halfway around the world for inspiration: Australia.
The Hill: Dem labels infrastructure ‘top thing’ Trump can accomplish
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) believes the Trump administration could score a major legislative victory if he negotiates with Democrats on a $1 trillion infrastructure package.
CNBC: Pairing Trump tax cuts with infrastructure could bring Democrats on board, says ex-Obama economic advisor
Democrats could rally behind President Donald Trump on a tax reform plan that includes infrastructure spending, the Obama administration's top economic aide told CNBC on Tuesday.
MinnPost (Minnesota): Donald Trump is making huge promises about rebuilding America’s infrastructure. Does that include trains?
As a candidate and as president, Donald Trump painted a picture of a U.S. transportation network in shambles: He said that roads and bridges nationwide are crumbling, and he called U.S. airports dilapidated — even going so far as to deem them “Third World.”
Associated Press: FCA, Google Begin Offering Rides in Self-Driving Cars
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/04/25/us/ap-us-fiat-chrysler-google.html
Fiat Chrysler and Google for the first time will offer rides to the public in the self-driving automobiles they are building under an expanding partnership.
New York Times: A Reporter Whose Sources Are Strangers on the Train
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/insider/emma-fitzsimmons-transit-report-mta.html
For many New Yorkers, the daily commute is an opportunity to zone out: to listen to music; to read; to take a break from work. For Emma G. Fitzsimmons, riding the subway is work — and the perfect chance to ask lots of questions. Why are there so many dogs on leashes if they’re all supposed to be in closed carriers? Why are service announcements so impossible to understand? What’s the best way to confront a passenger who is manspreading?
STATE NEWS
Associated Press: House Rejects Attempt to Bring Back Infrastructure Bill
The Montana House on Monday rejected an attempt to bring back an infrastructure bill that it previously voted down twice, leaving Republican lawmakers and Gov. Steve Bullock's office scrambling to salvage the measure in the final days of the legislative session.
The Missoulian: Fate of infrastructure bonding bill up to House Republicans, who reject attempt to revive it
Both bonding proposals to fund hundreds of infrastructure projects statewide sit in the House as the end of the Legislature looms this week – and one of those bills was again rejected Monday.
WBAL: Officials want feds to help address Baltimore's aging water infrastructure
Seven jurisdictions in Maryland all get their water from Baltimore City, which on Monday joined counterparts across the country in making a plea for more help from the feds.
KCRA: California lawmakers OK $900M+ in transportation projects
http://www.kcra.com/article/california-lawmakers-ok-dollar900m-in-transportation-projects/9556984
After a fast-tracked process, California lawmakers on Monday voted to send the governor a bill to authorize more than $900 million in transportation projects that helped secure key votes for a gas tax hike.
Construction Dive: NY wins $112M FHWA grant for alternative transportation projects
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the state has won $112.2 million in Federal Highway Administration funds for 81 projects that either increase pedestrian and bicycle access or improve air quality, according to The Lansing Star.
Reuters: St. Louis Wins U.S. Approval to Explore Airport Privatization
https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/04/24/us/24reuters-missouri-airport-privatization.html
The U.S. Transportation Department said on Monday it has granted preliminary approval to St. Louis to explore putting its city-owned airport under private management.