Highway Trust Fund, Infrastructure Investment Focus of House Budget Hearing
editor@aashto.org September 27, 2019 0 COMMENTSA September 25 hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on the Budget examined the need for increased across-the-board infrastructure funding – including more money for roads and bridges – while also touching on the need to beef up revenue flows into the Highway Trust Fund and repeal the $7.6 billion rescission in Federal-aid […]
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FHWA Issues Final Rule Lifting Patented/Proprietary Restrictions
editor@aashto.org September 27, 2019 0 COMMENTSThe Federal Highway Administration published a final rule on September 27 to give states more “flexibility and choice” to use proprietary or patented materials on federally funded highway projects. The new rule will take effect on October 28. [Above photo by the Ohio DOT.] The agency said in its regulatory filing that the final rule […]
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The U.S. Senate passed a Continuing Resolution or CR on September 26 by a vote of 81-16, extend government funding through November 21. That measure – crafted in the House of Representatives and passed by a vote of 301-219 on September 19 – now awaits President Trump’s signature to take effect. “I’m glad the continuing […]
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Drones, a virtual reality bicycle simulator, mobile roadway material testing labs, plus a bevy of autonomous vehicle projects were just some of the highlights of the 2019 Federal Highway Administration research showcase; a first-of-its-kind event held at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., on September 18. Transportation TV toured the event to […]
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On September 24, the Environmental Protection Agency threatened to levy highway funding sanctions on California due to its backlog of 130 air quality state implementation plans or SIPs – an action EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler (seen above) said is a “necessary step toward” ensuring compliance with the agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards. [Above photo […]
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Pew Report Highlights Efforts to Preserve Wildlife Corridors
editor@aashto.org September 27, 2019 0 COMMENTSA new report compiled by the Pew Trusts highlights the work states are doing to boost safe passage for wildlife around roadways, while at the same time improving motorist safety. “Big-game animals in the American West today are increasingly squeezed by growing suburban areas, energy development, climate change, and an expanding road network – factors […]
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WEF Coalition Seeks to Boost Low-Emission Mobility Options
editor@aashto.org September 27, 2019 0 COMMENTSThe World Economic Forum launched a new collaborative effort on September 23 that seeks to reduce passenger mobility greenhouse gas GHG emissions by 95 percent worldwide via greater use of ridesharing, electric vehicles, and autonomous transportation. [Above photo by Uber.] The WEF’s global new mobility coalition or GNMC – made up of a group of […]
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The Federal Aviation Administration awarded $986 million in infrastructure grants to 354 airports in 44 states, along with Puerto Rico and Micronesia, on September 23 – the fifth allotment out of the $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program funding for airports across the United States. [Above photo by the FAA.] Projects selected for grants include: runway reconstruction […]
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Minnesota DOT Issues Transportation Emission Reduction Report
editor@aashto.org September 27, 2019 0 COMMENTSThe new Pathways to Decarbonizing Transportation in Minnesota compiled and issued by the Minnesota Department of Transportation aims to get the state on track to meet future goals for reducing greenhouse gas or GHG emissions in accordance with the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act, which seeks to cut statewide GHG emissions 30 percent by 2025 […]
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Virginia’s Transportation Board Signs Off on Safety Investments
editor@aashto.org September 27, 2019 0 COMMENTSAt its September 15th meeting, Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board approved $137 million to accelerate a variety of highway safety initiatives across the state and also supported a “partnership agreement” that will study possible roadway changes, land development needs, and projected traffic growth for the Route 28/Dulles Toll Road. [Above photo by the Virginia DOT.] Appointed […]
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