The American Society of Civil Engineers joined 19 other associations to call for passage of legislation to provide funding for transportation infrastructure in the U.S. In a letter to Congress, the groups wrote, "Congressional action prior to the expiration of the current transportation extension on June 30th will ensure the continuation of the Federal Highway and Transit programs, and failure to enact this legislation will be devastating to America’s workers, jobs, businesses, and the economy." Transportation Issues Daily (5/15)
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Source: KCAL-TV |
A $1.2 billion project that will connect and upgrade two old shipping terminals and transform California's Port of Long Beach into a "port of the future" held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. The Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project, which is projected to take 10 years to finish, aims to increase cargo capacity, allow larger ships and reduce pollution. KCAL-TV (Los Angeles) (5/14)
A $957 million Central Corridor line project that connects downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota is 50% complete. It is scheduled to become operational in 2014. Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.) (5/14)
The U.S. must return to a conversation about long-term funding for transportation, writes Janet Kavinoky of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "[W]e have to get back on the road to a serious conversation ... that modernizes American infrastructure and promotes economic stability," Kavinoky notes. "Congress and President Barack Obama must work toward passage of a bill out of conference before June 30. The nation cannot afford for them to fail in finding a way to sustain federal funds through 2013 or to address many of the inefficiencies of current federal law." Politico (Washington, D.C.) (5/13)
A $950 million public-private partnership project that includes adding toll lanes to interstates 75 and 575 in Georgia will advance, but the state "will retain control of the lanes both during and after construction, how much to charge in tolls and how and when to repay the private partners that invest in the project." A request for qualifications from interested builders will be issued next month and a short list of qualified bidders will then receive a request for proposals. American City Business Journals/Atlanta (5/11)
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Source: The Sacramento Bee. Capitol Alert blog |
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says California must include initial funding for the $68 billion high-speed rail plan in its state budget and not wait until fall to do so. He said the Obama administration won't wait that long. "My message to the Assembly, to the leadership, is that we need to make sure that there's a continued, strong commitment on the part of the Assembly, as reflected in their budget," LaHood said. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.)/Capitol Alert blog (free registration) (5/10)
The American Society of Civil Engineers has placed New York City's Grand Central Terminal on its list of National Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks. The terminal's pioneering concept of selling "air rights" and a design that eliminated crowding problems common in other railway stations are some of the reasons for its landmark designation. The terminal "represents a triumph in civil engineering," said Andrew Herrmann, ASCE's president, "a fact that goes unnoticed because much of the engineering work that went into the design and construction of the terminal is largely hidden from public view." The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/City Room blog (5/9)
The $270 million first phase of the planned expansion of New York's Penn Station is set to begin by the middle of this year, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The scope of work will consist of new entryways to the west of the station, and expansion of the concourse that will feature new elevators and escalators. The project's second phase, which will cost $500 million, will convert the basement into a new Amtrak terminal. Long Island Press (N.Y.) (5/9)
The $3.2 billion Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program aims to develop Chicago's rail system not only for the benefit of the area but also for the entire country. The 70 projects in the CREATE program will help reduce service delays and "smooth the flow of traffic" for the 1,300 freight and passenger trains that move through Chicago daily. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/7)
Work begins on a $719 million project to connect Interstates 294 and 57 in Illinois. The new interchange will be all electronic. The I-294/57 project is part of the Tri-State Tollway's $12.1 billion improvement program. Chicago Tribune (5/4)
Environmental impact studies of the initial route of California's high-speed train between Merced and Fresno were approved by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The approval is a key step to allow the authority to file for government permits and select contractors. "Today we reached a major milestone toward making high-speed rail a reality," said CHSRA Chairman Dan Richard. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (5/4)
Texas Central Railway wants to build a privately operated high-speed rail line linking the Dallas/Fort Worth area with Houston and San Antonio and is trying to raise $10 billion in private funds to do so. "We are not looking for a government subsidy on this project," said Robert Eckels, head of Texas Central Railway. "That's one of the key elements to make this project work." Operation of the high-speed rail could start by 2020 if the investments are forthcoming. KTVT-TV (Dallas-Fort Worth) (5/2)
