If getting low interest rates from the federal government on money borrowed to finance transportation projects sounds like a national infrastructure bank, you're on the right track.
"The federal government signed an agreement Thursday that would allow Sound Transit to borrow $1.99 billion during the next few years at low interest rates to build 20 miles of light-rail extensions," reports Mike Lindblom.
The Master Credit Agreement, as the deal is called, is similar to a national infrastructure bank, explains Lindblom, "offering low rates and deferred repayment spread over 35 years." Sound Transit is the first signee on the Master Credit Agreement (MCA), which is administered by the Build America Bureau at the federal level. "Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is leveraging the pact for national publicity in hopes to encourage other regions to apply," adds Lindblom. A press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation has more details on the MCA with Sound Transit, and the potential of similar deals in other parts of the city.
With the agreement in place, "Sound Transit executives think they’ll save the equivalent of $200 million to $300 million worth of capital spending, and help make the vast construction plan recession-proof for several years."
FULL STORY: Feds agree to give Sound Transit $2 billion in low-interest loans for light rail
Seattle-Area Light Rail Breaks Ridership Record, Again
Thanks to a new extension and reorganized connecting bus lines, the Link light rail system topped 3 million rides in October.
West Seattle Link Expansion Could Cost $7 Billion
Sound Transit is moving forward with a proposed route despite severe cost overruns, throwing other major rail projects into question.
Sound Transit’s $3 Billion Lynnwood Link Extension Opens
After five years, Sound Transit’s light rail connection linking south Snohomish County to downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport is now open.
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?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions