Eric Jaffe highlights projects across the country that could be impacted by today's gubernatorial contests.
With New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's recent decision to kill the ARC tunnel, the power of state leaders to make or break high speed rail projects is more evident than ever, writes Jaffe. He argues that DOT's recent announcement of $2.4 billion in new funding makes today's races even more critical.
Contests from Massachusetts to Texas are worth watching, though California has the most at stake, writes Jaffe:
"California just added more than $900 million to the billions it already received in federal high-speed rail funding. A spokesman for Republican candidate Meg Whitman recently told the New York Times that Whitman 'doesn't believe we can afford the costs associated with new high-speed rail at this time.' Democrat Jerry Brown's campaign website makes it clear that he supports rail 'as a clean, fast, accessible alternative' to air and highway travel-one that will create jobs to boot. Brown leads, 53-45."
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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.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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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)