Moves by state governments to slash their budgets in the face of COVID-19 pandemic-induced revenue declines re-emphasized the need for a nearly $50 billion federally-funded fiscal “backstop,” according to analysis by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. [Above photo by the West Virginia DOT.] For example, on April 1, Governor Mike Parson […]
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The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials sent a letter to the Federal Transit Administration on April 14 outlining “thoughts and recommendations” from its Council on Public Transportation on ways the agency can maximize aid to state DOTs and their transit sub-recipients during the COVID-19 national emergency. [Above photo by the Maryland Transit […]
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A new 37-page report issued by DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development and the Shared Use Mobility Center offers insights to public transit agencies seeking to “bounce back” from ridership collapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report’s co-authors – DePaul Professors Mallory Livingston and Joe Schwieterman – argue that the “restart” challenges […]
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State departments of transportation across the country are grappling with a growing safety issue related to the start of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) on April 20: more frequent incidences of speeding due to reduced traffic volumes resulting from COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. [Above photo by the Michigan DOT.] The Governors Highway Safety Association noted on […]
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The Federal Aviation Administration now disbursing approximately $10 billion to commercial and general aviation airports; funds appropriated as part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act. [Above photo by Richmond International Airport.] The agency said in a statement on April 14 that this funding will “support continuing operations and replace […]
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The Federal Railroad Administration officially made $1.02 billion available to national passenger railroad operator Amtrak to support COVID-19 response activities as well as the pandemic’s impact on operations and business on April 10; funding provided via the recently-enacted $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act. [Above photo by Amtrak.] Roughly $492 […]
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The latest episode from the Transportation TV video series entitled State DOTs Respond to Coronavirus: A Video Diary highlights how Nevada Department of Transportation workers are supporting truck drivers as they haul critical goods and materials across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic – in part by keeping rest areas open, clean, and disinfected. The […]
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Several states are issuing, clarifying, and in some cases extending a variety of temporary truck weight waivers in support of national COVID-19 relief and prevention efforts. [Above photo by the KYTC.] On April 13, the California Department of Transportation announced it would issue temporary special permits for overweight trucks transporting COVID-19 emergency supplies as part […]
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Several states are providing funding to support of a number of different transportation efforts, from road and bridge work to buying new buses for rural transit agencies. [Above photo by the New Jersey DOT.] On April 13, the New Jersey Department of Transportation officially opened the solicitation period for $165 million in available grant funds […]
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The Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming recently crafted several new safety rules to help reduce COVID-19 exposure among road construction crews. [Above photo by the Wyoming DOT.] The new rules emphasize the need to maintain six feet of social distancing while working on projects. Additionally, employees and crews will […]
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