Recent Streetsblog LA posts about Transportation Policy

CBO Echoes Obama’s Candor on the Pitfalls of ‘Shovel-Readiness’

By Elana Schor | Jan 19, 2010 | No Comments

During last month’s White House jobs summit, President Obama carved out some common ground with critics of his first stimulus law’s $47 billion in infrastructure spending — which was distributed mainly by the book through state DOTs. "The term "shovel-ready," let’s be honest here, doesn’t always live up to its billing," he acknowledged. The CBO […]

Enviro Group Sees State DOTs’ Transport Predictions — and Raises Them

By Elana Schor | Jan 15, 2010 | No Comments

Just before New Year’s, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Washington voice for state DOTs that’s often dubbed the “road lobby,” counted down 10 hot topics for 2010. Freight upgrades made EDF’s transport wish list for 2010. (Photo: TSA) Most items on AASHTO’s list are awaited with equal fervor by […]

LaHood Wants More TIGER Aid in the Congressional Jobs Bill

By Elana Schor | Jan 14, 2010 | No Comments

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made a splash yesterday by announcing that the U.S. DOT would look at the environmental and community-building benefits of transit projects, not just their adherence to a government cost-effectiveness standard. Washington D.C.’s proposed K Street transitway, pictured above, is one of many projects vying for TIGER money. Photo: The City Fix […]

Statewide/Local Advocates Slam Schwarzenegger’s Rumored End-Around Cut on Transit Funding

By Damien Newton | Jan 7, 2010 | 19 Comments

If the BRU is willing to protest Obama, I can’t wait to see what they have to say about another operating cut from the State. Photo: Streetsblog/Flickr Local transit advocates are reacting with fury to the Governor’s rumored plan to skirt a court ruling requiring that the state stop robbing transit funds dedicated in the […]

The U.S. Transportation Financing Crisis: A Snapshot From the States

By Elana Schor | Jan 7, 2010 | No Comments

Washington transportation policymaking can often resemble an unwieldy soup of anywhere between 50 and 535 local perspectives, as lawmakers from different states and districts vie for a fixed (or even shrinking) amount of federal funding. Congress isn’t eager to raise fuel taxes to pay for transportation — but what about the states? (Photo: Pop and […]

House Jobs Bill Answers Some Key Transportation Questions

By Damien Newton | Dec 16, 2009 | No Comments

The $75 billion House jobs bill, expected to pass later today before the chamber adjourns for the holidays, includes $27.5 billion for roads and $8.4 billion for transit, largely mirroring this year’s first economic stimulus law. The header of today’s House jobs bill: No one ever said they’re easy reads! (Image: House Rules Cmte) However, […]

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