Infrastructure

Officials Working Out Nitty-Gritty of Rail Project

Views are already beginning to clash as the California high-speed rail project begins its development process. But until environmental and design reports are available, many questions are to be left unanswered.

November 19, 2008 - Palo Alto Daily News

Can Infrastructure Spending Unite America?

Bill Scher believes that public investments in infrastructure will be a hallmark of the incoming administration, and suggests that it should be a point of political unity.

November 19, 2008 - Campaign for America's Future

Big Dig Moves Congestion to Suburbs

Since its completion, Boston's Big Dig freeway project has succeeded in reducing congestion downtown, but new figures show the congestion has merely moved out of the central city into suburban areas.

November 19, 2008 - The Boston Globe

Buffalo at a Crossroads

Nicolai Ouroussoff tells the tale of Buffalo, a quintessential rust belt city that seems committed to preserving its architectural heritage but unsure about its future.

November 18, 2008 - The New York Times

Yellowstone Considers Cellphone Towers, Wireless Internet

Environmental groups aren't happy to hear that Yellowstone officials may be installing more cellphone towers and providing wireless internet in the near future, fearing that the technology will detract from and destroy the park's natural scenery.

November 18, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

When Cyclists Hurt Cycling

In this commentary, it is noted that when the Sacramento transportation 1/2-cent sales tax measure was up for renewal in 2004, it was decided not to include cycling improvements after a poll showed it would detract from the measure's passing

November 18, 2008 - The Sacramento Bee

Infrastructure Funding Boosts Likely in 2009

Repairing the nation's infrastructure is a good move on to-be President Obama's part, as it also creates jobs "that lead to the creation of still more jobs."

November 18, 2008 - The Baltimore Sun

Deal Brokered for Biggest Dam Removal Project in U.S.

Officials have brokered a deal to remove dams from the Klamath River in the Pacific Northwest -- a plan intended to counteract sharp declines in salmon counts and appease environmentalists. But the plan is also meeting criticism.

November 17, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

President of Opportunity: Just Add Funding

President-Elect Barack Obama is seen by many urbanists as a great opportunity for improving the built environment of the U.S. Anthony Flint sees big plans brewing but wonders how they'll be funded and if Obama will be able to handle them all.

November 17, 2008 - Citiwire

Infrastructure: A Slow Fix For A Long-Term Problem

Dismissed earlier in the year as a method too slow to revive the economy, infrastructure investment is now receiving renewed attention as a bailout for the country.

November 16, 2008 - Nate Berg

U.S. Rail Renaissance

California's $10 billion high speed rail bond was not the only transit initiative to pass on Election Day. Over 70% (double the customary rate) of all transportation initiatives passed, including 18 that raise sales or property taxes.

November 14, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

The Difficulty of Getting Kids Walking

Mecklenberg County, NC has created a program to encourage kids to walk to school in an attempt to curb obesity, but they're finding that the road to good intentions isn't properly paved.

November 14, 2008 - The Naked City

Treading Lightly into a New 'New Deal'

Many are arguing for a new "New Deal" under President-Elect Obama. Economist Paul Krugman says there are many lessons -- good and bad -- Obama should learn from the first "New Deal" before taking the plunge.

November 12, 2008 - The New York Times

China's Rail Investment Needs Pricing Reform

As China embarks on the greatest rail-building investment since the U.S. built its transcontinental railroad, this article points to the urgent need to reform its state-controlled pricing system, both for freight and passengers, to make it effective.

November 11, 2008 - Business Week

Balloons, The New Green Power

A start-up in Livermore, CA is generating buzz with its plan to generate power from thousands of aluminum-coated balloons.

November 10, 2008 - Fortune

Britain To Try Road Tolling By Mileage

Transportation officials in Britain have announced plans for a road pricing system that tracks drivers' mileage to determine charges.

November 9, 2008 - The Times

Seattle Area Voters: Yes To Transit; No To Road Measure

Puget Sound voters strongly supported Sound Transit's sales tax measure to expand public transit while Washington state voters overwhelmingly rejected an Eyeman initiative to allow solo motorists to use carpool lanes during off-peak hours.

November 7, 2008 - Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Planning: The Solution America Needs

As part of a series in Harper's on how to save capitalism, James K. Galbraith argues that America can fix many of its economic troubles with better planning -- urban planning, infrastructure planning, and financial planning.

November 6, 2008 - Harper's

Shipping Methods Shift From Truck to Canal Barge

The Erie Canal has been long forgotten as a passage for transportation, but the affordability of shipping goods by canal barge is making it a more attarctive option than doing so by trucking.

November 6, 2008 - The New York Times

Honolulu Approves Light Rail System

Voters in Honolulu have approved a 20-mile light rail system for the Hawaiian city -- the largest public works project in the state's history.

November 5, 2008 - Honolulu Star-Bulletin

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.

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Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

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