Politicians in Washington D.C. are getting behind Honolulu's plans for a $3.7 billion light rail system, calling it the "most efficient light rail project in the country".
"U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar's Washington office confirmed that the Minnesota Democrat has told Honolulu that its plan for $900 million in federal money to build a light rail connection 'stands well ahead' of other plans before his committee including the Washington connection to Dulles International Airport."
"The Hawaii plan has also had major backing in the U.S. Senate where Hawaii's senior senator, Daniel Inouye, is chairman of the Senate Committee on Science, Commerce and Transportation. He helped secure $15.2 million in federal funding last year for engineering on the project."
"Honolulu papers quote Oberstar as saying the Honolulu project 'just has to happen,' after flying over the planned right-of-way that he said was too narrow to 'squeeze more lanes in the roadway.' Oberstar said Honolulu authorities 'have got less than one mile of space between the mountains on one hand and the ocean on the other' and a rail system is necessary."
"Oberstar said the Honolulu mass transit system's plan, a $3.7 billion project to build a rail line from Kapolei to Leeward Community College, is the most efficient light rail project in the country."
FULL STORY: Hawaii Rail Trumps Dulles
Skyline Rail, Now Serving Honolulu
In a historic day for public transit, Skyline Rail, a project once deemed the worst transit project in the United States due to extreme cost overruns and construction delays, finally opened to the public at the end of June.
Honolulu Light Rail to Open in June
The city’s first light rail line will finally begin service after more than a half century of planning.
Hawaii Light Rail to Connect With Airport
The Honolulu City Council has agreed to slightly re-work the route of the region's recently-approved light rail system to connect with Honolulu International Airport -- a move that has angered some residents.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
