Was the demise of plans for high-speed rail in several states run by Republican governors the result of fiscal prudence or a case of political collusion? A new report in the Tampa Tribune suggests the latter.
"The Obama administration had grand plans for a national high-speed rail network, but they didn't stay grand very long," writes Eric Jaffe. "After the 2010 midterm elections, new Republican governors in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Florida spoiled hopes of such a system by rejecting federal money for routes through their states. At the time, the three governors cited fiscal responsibility as their official reasoning, but the situation always had the feel of political collusion."
In fact, Florida governor Rick Scott was supportive of the project before deciding to decline federal funds, at least according to Paula Dockery, "a (now former) political ally." Jaffe describes the curious timeline of events explored in a new report in the Tampa Tribune that suggest Scott's flip-flop may have resulted from political pressure.
Read the full story: How Republicans Killed America's High-Speed Rail Plan
When Regressive is Progressive
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Four years after a historic down payment was made on Pres. Obama's plan to connect 80 percent of Americans to fast trains, "the prospects for a national high-speed rail system seem bleak." Politics and funding challenges have derailed the plan.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
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After public outcry, Massachusetts city releases housing development tracker
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40 years after approval, Chicago breaks ground on new park
The park honors Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the city’s first permanent non-native settler.
‘Hoodwinked:’ New Mexico bill aimed at microgrids paves way for data center development
In an interview with High Country News, Padilla said the legislation “ignited” New Mexico's economy.
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
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City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority