The state is taking a new approach to its high-speed rail project, saying the federal government is not a “reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner.”
Just weeks after filing a lawsuit against the Federal Railroad Administration over funds for the California high-speed rail project, California is retracting the suit, saying “it can no longer rely on the federal government to help deliver the system.”
According to reporting by Maxwell Adler for Bloomberg, California has opted to pursue other funding sources for the project, saying “the federal government is not a reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner in advancing high-speed rail in California.” The California High-Speed Rail Authority issued a request for qualifications to select a private co-development partner. “The authority framed the move as an opportunity to streamline construction.”
FULL STORY: California ditches fight with Trump for high-speed rail funds
California High-Speed Rail Approves $3.4B Contract for Track Materials
The project is moving ahead despite the loss of $4 billion in federal funds earlier this year.
DOT Officially Cancels California High-Speed Rail Funding
The Trump administration has repeatedly taken aim at the LA-to-Bay Area rail project, blaming Democratic leaders for cost overruns and delays.
Legal Standoff Over Federal Funding for California High-Speed Rail Heats up
A judge dismissed the Trump administration’s request to throw out a lawsuit brought by the state’s high-speed rail authority.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
Guerilla urbanists are building DIY bus stop benches in Chicago
A before-and-after of one of the bus stops with a new bench. The new benches are not officially sanctioned or permitted, but the residents who placed them hope they will be the start of a network of DIY benches across the city.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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Journal of the American Planning Association