Government Organizations
GAO: States “Flexing” Fewer Federal Dollars to Transit
Supporters of livable streets may hear about the “flexibility” of transportation dollars and cringe – after all, that word often refers to the ability of states to use bike/ped money for road building. But flexibility can work both ways. Between 2007 and 2011, states devoted $5 billion in surface transportation funds -- known in some quarters as "highway money" -- to transit programs, according to the Government Accountability Office.
November 21, 2012
Which States Are Breaking Free From Oil Dependence? NRDC Ranks All 50
When it comes to helping their residents get around without breaking the bank, California, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, and New York are the top five states in the nation, while Nebraska, Alaska, Mississippi, Idaho, and North Dakota bring up the rear.
November 19, 2012
Streetsblog Readers Have Spoken: Janette Sadik-Khan For DOT Secretary
On Friday, we put this question to our readers: Who should be the next Transportation Secretary? And lucky for us, 323 of you had nothing better to do with your weekend than answer our poll.
November 19, 2012
Poll: Who Should Be the Next U.S. Transportation Secretary?
Ryan Holeywell over at Governing Magazine has put together a pretty comprehensive list of possible contenders for the top job at U.S. DOT, if Ray LaHood makes good on his word and splits for the private sector. It's unclear when he's leaving, or if he even really meant to say he was definitely leaving, but odds are there will be a vacancy over there pretty soon.
November 16, 2012
Weathering the Next 108-Year Storm
Deron Lovaas is the Federal Transportation Policy Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. This article is cross-posted from his blog on Switchboard.
November 2, 2012
Why Recovery Aid Is Getting to Roads Faster Than Transit
As we reported yesterday, MAP-21 went into effect just in time for Hurricane Sandy, allowing the Federal Transit Administration similar emergency grant-making authority as FHWA. But Adam Snider at Politico reminded us this morning that the change is easier said than done.
October 31, 2012
NACTO Wrap-Up: Cities Are Doing It For Themselves
The leaders of the nation’s big city transportation agencies have formed a tight-knit circle, brought together by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to share best practices, and yes, battle scars.
October 29, 2012
FHWA Helps Cities and Towns Land Bike/Ped Funding
American cities and towns should get a leg up on using federal funds to make streets safer for biking and walking, thanks to rules enacted yesterday by the Federal Highway Administration.
October 23, 2012
Federal Housing Administration Clears Way for More Walkable Development
Over the last five years America has seen an historic housing downturn, but the prevailing trend hasn't sapped demand for walkable, urban development, especially in many larger metros.
October 15, 2012
MassDOT Secretary: “We Will Build No More Superhighways”
OK, everybody, pack your bags. We're all moving to Massachusetts.
October 10, 2012