Private Activity Bonds
While there has been no lack of criticism (some might say condemnation) of the $200 billion investment that aims to generate an additional $1.3 trillion, some individuals and groups have stepped forward to praise the plan, or at least parts of it.
DC Velocity
For those who have spent the last year or so waiting on the edge of their seats in speculation about the contents of President Trump's promised infrastructure plan, there is finally some indication of what the future holds.
Axios
In The Real Deal, HUD administrator Lynne Patton hints at a 10-point plan for New York and New Jersey.
The Real Deal
The Seattle Times says there could be no worse time than right now to repeal tax exempt bonds that help finance affordable housing.
The Seattle Times
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act would have a deleterious effect on major infrastructure proposed by the private sector. The loss of Private Activity Bonds would hike borrowing rates for road, transit, stadium, and even affordable housing projects.
Greater Greater Washington
It's becoming clear that Texas will beat California to having the first all high-speed train on the continent. Ethan Elkind suggests three ways that success for Texas Central's Dallas-to-Houston line will benefit the struggling California project.
Ethan Elkind
Opposition to the Dallas-to-Houston private Texas Central high-speed rail line has gotten more serious with the creation of a defense fund to assist property owners in protecting their property rights. Texas Central plans to break ground next year.
Your Houston News
High-yield funds have less money to spend these days, leaving large infrastructure projects like the All Aboard Florida high-speed rail project waiting at the station.
Bloomberg Business
The Florida Development Finance Commission voted 3-0 at a contentious meeting to approve the 125 mph, Orlando-Miami privately funded train's request for tax-exempt status. It does not put the state at risk in terms of repaying the loan though.
Orlando Sentinel
The Dallas-to-Houston project will be the first operating high speed rail line in the United States when it opens in 2021. The project received $75 million in private funding, allowing planning for the project to advance.
Houston Chronicle
Apparently some in Florida were uncomfortable with the much touted "privately funded railroad" using a $1.6 billion Federal Railroad Administration loan, so All Aboard Florida applied for tax exempt bonds to supplement or replace the loan.
The Palm Beach Post
