John Hennessy III,
P.E.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
Despite the effects of the recent recession, commercial enplanements were about 33 million higher in number in 2011 than in 2000, stretching the system’s ability to meet the needs of the nation’s economy. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that the national cost of airport congestion and delays was almost $22 billion in 2012.
SMART GROWTH AMERICA
Communities of all sizes are transforming their streets into more than just a way to move people in cars from one place to another.
These communities are part of a growing national movement for Complete Streets. This movement encourages and provides for the safe access to destinations for everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, ethnicity or how they travel.
View this complete post...The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)
The funding crunch facing America’s transportation infrastructure has made it crucial for our cities, counties, states and regions to find innovative ways of funding our mobility. The Federal Highway Trust Fund – the federal government’s primary source of investment in local infrastructure – is running dry, with the gas tax losing much of its purchasing power since its last increase over two decades ago.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
At the dawn of the 21st century, much of our drinking water infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life. There are an estimated 240,000 water main breaks per year in the United States. Assuming every pipe would need to be replaced, the cost over the coming decades could reach more than $1 trillion, according to the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
ENVIRONMENT TEXAS
Texans know what a precious resource water is. During the drought that started in 2011, citizens responded to the water shortage by curtailing their water use. They abided by outdoor watering restrictions, watching lawns and landscapes wither and 5.6 million urban trees die due to lack of water. In Midland, outdoor watering use was restricted to just two hours per week by hand. To reduce other water use, the city increased rates five-fold for the biggest water users.
Jason Hartke is the Vice President of National Policy at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Topics include:
Integrating the Building Process
Common Goals: Sustainability and Resiliency
How Building Green is Working Now
The LEED System: Stretching the Market Toward Sustainability
How to Get Things Done
ENVIRONMENT AMERICA
The Northeast can make a meaningful contribution to reducing the impacts of global warming. In 2010, the 10 Northeastern states then participating in RGGI emitted 533 million metric tons (MMT) of carbon dioxide pollution from energy use. Were the Northeast its own country, its emissions would rank 10th in the world, ahead of the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Brazil and France.
Innovation NewsBriefs
Vol. 24, No. 5
During his March 29 visit to the privately built and financed PortMiami tunnel project, President Obama unveiled a new infrastructure plan. His latest proposal—costing $21 billion— includes a renewed call for a National Infrastructure Bank capitalized at $10 billion, a $7 billion “America Fast Forward Bonds” program modeled after the former Build America Bonds; and a sum of $4 billion in direct loans and loan guarantees. The White House announcement did not make it clear whether this latest infrastructure initiative…
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS INSTITUTE
Researchers have shown that GPS units in smartphones can be used to identify routes taken by cyclists, including whether cyclists deviate from shortest paths to use bike lanes and other facilities. Researchers previously have not reported whether GPS tracking can be used to monitor whether and how bicyclists actually use lanes on streets, where these lanes have been provided, or other types of facilities.
AMERICAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION
Public transportation is a $57 billion industry in the United States. Public transportation itself includes a broad, interconnected set of modes including local and commuter bus service, subways, paratransit, light rail, streetcars, commuter rail, bus rapid transit, and high-performance intercity passenger rail. It provides essential public benefits, and accordingly receives support from government. At the same time, public transportation is an attractive market for business partnerships, and such relationships have always been present on both capital and operating functions.
    |
Follow InfrastructureUSA
Video, stills and tales. Share images of the Infra in your community that demands attention. Post your ideas about national Infra issues. Go ahead. Show Us Your Infra! Upload and instantly share your message.
Is the administration moving fast enough on Infra issues? Are Americans prepared to pay more taxes for repairs? Should job creation be the guiding determination? Vote now!
What do the experts think? This is where the nation's public policy organizations, trade associations and think tanks weigh in with analysis on Infra issues. Tell them what you think. Ask questions. Share a different view.
The Infra Blog offers cutting edge perspective on a broad spectrum of Infra topics. Frequent updates and provocative posts highlight hot button topics -- essential ingredients of a national Infra dialogue.
It is encouraging to finally see clear signs of federal action to support a comprehensive US infrastructure investment plan.
Now more than ever, our advocacy is needed to keep stakeholders informed and connected, and to hold politicians to their promises to finally fix our nation’s ailing infrastructure.
We have already engaged nearly 280,000 users, and hoping to add many more as interest continues to grow.
We require your support in order to rise to this occasion, to make the most of this opportunity. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to InfrastructureUSA.org.
Steve Anderson
Managing Director
SteveAnderson@InfrastructureUSA.org
917-940-7125
RSS Feed
© InfrastructureUSA | Terms of Use | Site developed by Andigo New Media
InfrastructureUSA.org is a nonprofit project fiscally sponsored by FJC, a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds.