Transportation on Thursday July 02, 2009

Weekly wrap: Report questions states' use of stimulus road funds
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer
States are spending too much stimulus money on new road construction and not enough on public transit projects, a national advocacy group claims in a report issued Monday (June 29). Meanwhile, Michigan and California consider teaming up to solve their prison problems and North Carolina and Rhode Island face off with Amazon.com over taxes.
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CO: New Colorado auto fees stir shock, anger
By Lynn Bartels, The Denver Post
Yolanda Suazo's voice and hands shook as she pointed to papers indicating she had just paid $393.37 to register her 2007 Chevy Trailblazer — almost $100 more than she had expected.
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HI: Drivers mindful of law on 1st day of phone ban
By Katie Urbaszewski, The Honolulu Advertiser
Brandi Crab said she was about to call work yesterday morning to say she was running late, but stopped short when she remembered the city's new cell phone ban had just taken effect.
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HI: Study says Hawaii's road-related crash costs among nation's highest
By Staff Writers, The Honolulu Advertiser
A study released yesterday that says deficient roadway conditions contribute to more than half of U.S. highway fatalities — a substantially more lethal factor than drunk driving, speeding or non-use of seatbelts — lists Hawaii as among the states with the highest road-related crash costs.
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IL: Number of Illinois vehicle owners driving without insurance is up slightly
Staff reports, Chicago Tribune
Despite the ongoing recession, there has been only a slight increase in the number of Illinois vehicle owners who are taking risks by driving without the required liability insurance, according to data released by the state Wednesday.
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MA: Gas tax hike is ruled out in Senate
By Matt Viser, The Boston Globe
Senate President Therese Murray, swatting down a suggestion by Governor Deval Patrick this week that a gas tax increase might be necessary, said yesterday that lawmakers were not keen to consider the issue further.
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NM: New law toughens DWI sanctions
By Kate Nash, Santa Fe New Mexican
A new law that could expand the number of drivers using alcohol-detecting devices in their cars is among various measures that took effect Wednesday in New Mexico.
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NV: Path clears for federal support of fast train to California
By Lisa Mascaro, Las Vegas Sun
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Transportation secretary will announce today the designation of a federal high-speed-rail corridor between Las Vegas and Southern California, a major assist that enables the long-imagined train route to compete for $8 billion in economic recovery funding and other federal support, the Las Vegas Sun has learned.
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NV: NDOT seeks bids for stimulus projects
By Brendan Riley, The Associated Press, Nevada Appeal (Carson City)
The Nevada Transportation Department has met a deadline for seeking bids for $70 million in road projects, ranging from highway repaving to historic V&T Railway work and an antelope and deer overpass, being funded by federal stimulus dollars.
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OR: Topping off gas tanks now banned in Oregon
By Matthew Preusch, The Oregonian (Portland)
If you ask a gas station attendant to top off your tank, as of today you're asking them to break the law.
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TX: Texas Senate passes agencies bill
By Jim Vertuno, The Associated Press, The Austin American-Statesman
The Texas Legislature convened a special session Wednesday and immediately took steps to extend the life of several key state agencies.
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TX: Road bond, sunset bills nearing quick passage
By Ben Wear and Mike Ward, The Austin American-Statesman
Legislators, many of them tanned and exhibiting a relaxed, schools-out air Wednesday, ripped quickly through two of the three issues that Gov. Rick Perry put on their special session plate.
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TX: Deal in works on private toll roads
By Mike Ward, The Austin American-Statesman
Faced with growing legislative opposition to privately built toll roads, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst told reporters just a few minutes ago that a deal is in the works to continue approval for a limited number of projects.
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TX: Highlights from the Texas special session
By The Associated Press, The Austin American-Statesman
A special session of the Texas Legislature is in full swing. Lawmakers convened the special session Wednesday and immediately took steps to extend the life of several key state agencies.
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TX: Senate passes SB 2
By Mike Ward, The Austin American-Statesman
The Texas Senate just approved Senate Bill 2, the measure that will continue the operations of five state agencies — including the transportation, insurance and racing agencies.
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TX: Toll road bill faces tough fight in Texas Legislature's special session
By Emily Ramshaw and Terrence Stutz, The Dallas Morning News
Gov. Rick Perry's special session effort to win new approval for public-private toll roads in Texas may be hitting the skids.
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US: Highway conditions contribute to over half of fatal auto crashes
By Ashley Halsey III, The Washington Post
If it is your fate to die in an auto accident this holiday weekend, the odds are you'll hit an ill-positioned bridge, tree or pole, or encounter some other highway hazard, according to a study commissioned by an industry group that advocates for boosting spending on road construction.
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WI: White House 'rural tour' begins, and will come to state
By Diana Marrero, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration on Wednesday kicked off a "rural tour" that will bring two cabinet members to Wisconsin later this month.
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WV: W.Va. Turnpike board OKs toll increase
By Michelle Saxton, Charleston Daily Mail
Drivers will start paying higher tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike next month of $2 for passenger vehicles and $6.75 for five-axle commercial trucks under a motion approved Wednesday by state turnpike officials.
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