The high-profile Central Subway is in danger of running out of money, according to a federal watchdog.
"Muni’s $1.6 billion Central Subway project is nearly out of money," reports Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez.
"An independent federal monitor warns in a new report that the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency may soon spend its last federal dollar for the project and exhaust the 'contingency' budget meant to cover cost overruns," adds Rodriguez.
The article traces the origins of the cost overruns to conflict between the SFMTA and the contractor Tutor Perini Corporation (Tutor). In recent months, Tutor officials have publically blasted outgoing SFMTA Director Ed Reiskin. Rodriguez also noted that "Tutor is known for aggressively pursuing cities with claims and change orders," and not just in San Francisco. "A July 14 report from the Wall Street Journal highlighted Tutor Perini’s $120 million lawsuit against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey over 'delays and cost overruns' to construct the George Washington Bridge Bus Station in Manhattan," writes Rodriguez.
The project, once expected to be complete by 2018, is now scheduled for 2020. But if the budget runs out, and it's already "running on fumes," San Francisco could be left with a "train-less hole in the ground," according to Rodriguez.
FULL STORY: Central Subway contractor dispute threatens to bust budget
2021 Opening Expected for San Francisco's Central Subway
Mark your calendars (but maybe use pencil).
Long Delayed, $1.95 Billion Central Subway Opens in San Francisco
San Francisco’s first north-south subway opened last weekend, extending service on Muni’s T light rail line.
San Francisco Not Living Up to 'Transit First' Promise
Despite a stated goal of encouraging other modes, the city's streets still overwhelmingly prioritize cars.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)