The National Park Service has signed a contract to run two hybrid solar and wind powered ferries to carry visitors to Alcatraz.
"Two hybrid ferries powered by the wind and sun will carry visitors to Alcatraz under a new 10-year contract between the National Park Service and Hornblower Cruises and Events."
"The new hybrid ferries will hold 600 passengers and operate at 12 to 15 knots. The vessels will be fitted with a large, rigid wing covered in solar panels that will capture sun and wind power. When conditions are right, the vessel will be able to sail back and forth. In extreme weather, the sail will automatically fold down flat above the deck like a roof."
"As needed, the vessel will operate with diesel generators burning low-sulfur diesel fuel and equipped with air pollution controls that cut emissions by 70 to 90 percent (compared to conventional marine diesels)."
"In the event of an earthquake or other disaster, the boats can operate at low speeds for emergency purposes on wind and electricity without any fuel, and could potentially help to shuttle commuters across the Bay if necessary."
[Note: This press release is in PDF format.]
FULL STORY: Hybrid Solar Ferries Planned For Alcatraz Tours [PDF, 44 KB]
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
Podcast: Addressing the Root Causes of Transit Violence
Deploying transit police is a short-term fix. How can transit agencies build sustainable safety efforts?
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.