Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

According to a Smart Cities Dive brief by Dan Zukowski, Amtrak plans to triple its infrastructure investment over the next two years, focusing federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure law on tunnels, bridges, new routes, and increased service on existing routes.
“Earlier this year, Amtrak began work on a new $4.5 billion tunnel to replace the Civil War-era Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel, and the Federal Railroad Administration committed nearly $7 billion to the long-delayed Hudson River Tunnel project — both key projects along the Northeast Corridor. Other major projects serving that Boston-Washington, D.C. corridor include bridges in New Jersey and Connecticut, and the East River Tunnel and Sunnyside Yard facility in New York City, according to ENR.”
To handle the added workload, “Amtrak hired over 3,700 people and invested $2.3 billion in capital projects in fiscal year 2022, including new trains, according to a company document.”
FULL STORY: Amtrak to triple infrastructure investment over two years

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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