Tag: transportation funding: Page 8

Roadbuilding

Ohio House approves two-year, $7.8 billion transportation plan

The Ohio House has approved House Bill 26 that would provide $7.8 billion over two years for the state’s transportation and public safety budget. The transportation department would get the bulk of the funds with $6.5 billion. The legislation would also create the “Variable Speed Limit Pilot Program” which the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) […]

March 6, 2017

Roadbuilding

AASHTO sets legislative action agenda for 2017

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has set its 2017 legislative action agenda, which aims to prod the Trump administration and Congress to create a “sustainable and long-term funding stream for transportation investment” as one of its goals. “AASHTO has been engaging in a robust dialogue with both the new presidential […]

February 22, 2017

Roadbuilding

Indiana House approves 10-cent gas tax increase, electric vehicle fees

The Indiana House has approved a 10-cent per gallon gas tax increase, raising the tax from 18 cents to 28 cents, in a 61-36 vote last week on HB 1002 to help fund the state’s transportation infrastructure improvements. The bill also calls for annual increases based on an “annual index factor” that wouldn’t be more than […]

February 21, 2017

Roadbuilding

Florida governor provides FDOT with $10.8 billion in recommended FY 2017-2018 budget

Gov. Rick Scott has included $10.8 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in the fiscal year 2017-2018 “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget for “strategic transportation investments.” “We have made significant investments in transportation for four years in a row because we know the incredible impact it has on job creation and helping Florida […]

February 3, 2017

Roadbuilding

Senate confirms Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation

The Senate has confirmed Elaine Chao as the next Secretary of Transportation in a 93-6 vote Jan. 31. She was sworn in the same day. Chao’s husband Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), voted “present.” Voting against Chao were Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Kristen Gillibrand (D-New York), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Senate Minority […]

February 1, 2017

Roadbuilding

Louisiana DOT says construction set to begin on LA 616 after 36-year wait

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) says construction of project near West Monroe that was first issued a consultant work order in 1981 is finally set to begin. LDOTD says construction on widening 3.2 miles of LA 616 (Arkansas Road) from two lanes to four lanes with a center turn lane is expected […]

January 30, 2017

Roadbuilding

Tenn. Governor unveils IMPROVE Act for transportation project updates

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has released a legislative proposal aimed at improving the state’s transportation network to bolster future job growth, while cutting taxes on food and manufacturing. The proposal is dubbed the IMPROVE Act, also known as “Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads and Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy.” “Under the conservative fiscal leadership of the […]

January 20, 2017

Roadbuilding

Nebraska DOR picks projects for County Bridge Match Program

The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) has selected project proposals for the first round of the County Bridge Match Program, which provides funding to counties for the “innovative replacement and repair of deficient county bridges.” This round provides $4 million to be distributed to 22 proposals in 32 counties and 68 bridges across the state. […]

January 17, 2017

Roadbuilding

Transportation secretary nominee Chao cites safety, private investment, technology in hearing

President-elect Donald Trump’s Transportation Secretary nominee Elaine Chao highlighted safety, private investment and technology during her nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Jan. 11. Chao previously served as Labor Secretary under George W. Bush and as Deputy Transportation Secretary under George H.W. Bush, so she has a close familiarity with […]

January 16, 2017

Roadbuilding

TRIP: Road and bridge conditions cost Montana drivers $794 million per year

Deteriorated conditions, congestion and minimal safety features on roads and bridges are costing Montana motorists $794 million per year ($1,417 per driver) associated with increased vehicle operating costs (VOC), traffic crashes and delays according to a report from The Road Improvement Program (TRIP). TRIP periodically releases state reports such as this one, available at tripnet.org, and […]

January 16, 2017

Roadbuilding

Seven states set to increase fuel taxes starting in 2017

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy’s (ITEP) Tax Justice Blog reports seven states are set to increase gas taxes starting in 2017, with two states actually dropping gas taxes. The majority of the increase, four in total, are automatic changes set by formulas by the state legislatures, as it is for the two decreases. […]

December 29, 2016

Roadbuilding

USDOT’s Build America Bureau to help finance $2 billion for Seattle Transit Projects

Four Seattle transit projects could get roughly $2 billion in financing through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau (BAB). The Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) and the BAB recently signed a Master Credit Agreement—“a first-of-its-kind arrangement in which the local transit authority will be able to expedite multiple loan requests […]

December 29, 2016