The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a notice of funding opportunity on January 13 for a pool of $906 million worth of Infrastructure for Rebuilding America or INFRA discretionary grants. Applications are due by February 25, the agency said. [Above photo by the Arizona DOT.] “These INFRA grants will fund projects that support economic development, […]

A recent analysis of household expense data by HNTB Corporation shows that, on average, American families pay far less in federal and state motor fuel taxes in comparison to electricity and water service, among others. [Above photo by the Missouri DOT.] On average, HNTB’s analysis found that American drivers pay $274.69 annually in combined federal […]

A 54-page report issued by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) on January 13 said that “myriad” of federal, state, and local rules that govern testing of self-driving vehicles may “ultimately impede” the creation of a seamless and standardized autonomous truck network in the United States. [Above photo by the Oregon DOT.] “While much has […]

Michelle Avary, head of automotive and autonomous mobility at the World Economic Forum, argued in a January 13 column that demand for more “inclusive mobility” is one of three major future trends that will impact how government entities at all levels formulate transportation strategies. [Above photo via the North Dakota DOT.] “People today are insisting […]

The Federal Transit Administration launched a new initiative to “support and advance” innovation in the transit industry at the Transportation Research Board annual meeting in Washington D.C. on January 14. [Above photo by the FTA.] FTA’s new Accelerating Innovative Mobility or AIM initiative includes $11 million in challenge grants to help transit agencies experiment with “new ways” of […]

The Federal Highway Administration issued $5 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief or ER funds on January 16 to help repair roads and bridges damaged by recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico. The widespread destruction caused by a weeks-long earthquake “swarm” that began in late December on the island caused rockslides and landslides on major transportation […]

A new 36-page report from the Government Accountability Office recommends that the Federal Transit Administration develop a communication plan that will “effectively share information with state and local stakeholders” on coordination opportunities in an “accessible and informative” way – particularly where rural transit services are concerned. [Above photo by the FTA.] The GAO noted that […]

The U.S. Maritime Administration, known as MARAD, provided more than $7.5 million in grants on January 6 to nine marine highway projects in nine states: Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. [Above photo by the Virginia DOT.] The agency said its America’s Marine Highway Program or AMHP supports the increased […]

To bring attention to dangerous distractions that could lead to unexpected and sometimes deadly tragedies for pedestrians on or near railroad tracks, the rail safety non-profit Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) is launching a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign. [Above photo via OLI.] “Walking on the railroad tracks is considered trespassing – it’s against the law,” said […]

The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a new interactive map on January 6 that highlights federal investments in major infrastructure projects located in and around opportunity zones; an economic development tool created by the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The USDOT said in a statement that it has spent the last two years addressing infrastructure needs […]