Increasing costs mean local agencies need to dig in their heels if they expect to receive funding from the federal government.
"Hennepin County commissioners on Thursday authorized an additional $204 million for the Southwest Corridor light-rail project," reports Janet Moore.
"The funding infusion was required after Southwest’s budget recently surged to just over $2 billion due to the increased costs of labor, steel, fuel and other unanticipated cash outlays," adds Moore. The decision to increase the funding was made despite concerns about the cost increases.
"All told, Hennepin County is expected to contribute $801 million for Southwest, a portion of which will be paid with a half-cent transit sales tax. While the board approved the expenditure in theory on Thursday, members will consider funding the full amount after several key milestones are achieved this summer." One remaining question mark is $929 million in funding expected from the Federal Transit Administration.
FULL STORY: Hennepin County Board approves Southwest light-rail cash infusion — in theory
Contractors in Limbo While Southwest LRT Waits for Federal Funding Promise
More evidence that the Federal Transit Administration under the Trump Administration isn't interested in capital investments.
Portland Transit Vote Kills SW Transit Corridor Light Rail Project
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State and Local Votes Reveal Widespread Support for Public Transit
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Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
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