Infra Views

Public Transportation’s Impact on Rural and Small Towns

Friday, October 20th, 2017
Rural and Small Town Public Transportation - Figure 1

While it is sometimes assumed that public transportation is only essential for large urban areas with significant traffic congestion, this report shows that public transportation can also play an important role in rural areas and small towns. Although public transit serves a minor portion of total rural travel, the trips that are provided are particularly valuable. By examining current trends, this report reveals the increasingly critical connection between public transit and rural communities and small towns. This paper also looks at rural public transit cost efficiency, and describes successful examples of smaller community public transit programs.

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Dismantling a National Transportation Network

Thursday, October 19th, 2017
Dismantling Amtrak

Despite Congress’ rejection of deep cuts, the Trump Administration has resurrected the idea of dismantling Amtrak’s national network of passenger rail service routes. This discussion of eliminating “unprofitable” Amtrak routes is occurring while the nation’s transportation infrastructure is deteriorating and the nation is struggling to reach a consensus on how to address a decades-long pattern of underinvestment in our infrastructure.

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National Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Analysis

Monday, October 16th, 2017
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure ES-1

This report addresses the fundamental question of how much plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging infrastructure—also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)—is needed in the United States to support both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). It complements ongoing EVSE initiatives by providing a comprehensive analysis of national PEV charging infrastructure requirements. The result is a quantitative estimate for a U.S. network of non-residential (public and workplace) EVSE that would be needed to support broader PEV adoption. The analysis provides guidance to public and private stakeholders who are seeking to provide nationwide charging coverage, improve the EVSE business case by maximizing station utilization, and promote effective use of private/public infrastructure investments.

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Climate Change and Its Impact on Infrastructure Systems in the Midwest

Friday, October 13th, 2017
Climate change and infrastructure in the Midwest

The lifeblood of a community is its infrastructure system. In light of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria – which are only the most recent examples of extreme weather events to affect the nation – the Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI) has examined the anticipated impact climate change will have on the Midwest.

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Funding Trees for Health: An Analysis of Finance and Policy Actions to Enable Tree Planting for Public Health

Monday, October 9th, 2017
Figure E1. Trees and Public health. Conceptual model of the linkage between urban forestry funding and health funding.

The scientific case for the benefits of trees and urban nature has become more solid over the last few decades. Trees and other natural features in cities can help regulate water quality, water quantity, and the timing of water flow. They can help clean and cool the air, reducing harmful air pollutants and ambient air temperatures. They lend beauty to our streets, enhance citizens’ lives, and significantly increase property values. When you consider all the benefits that street trees can provide to society, there is a strong business case for increased societal investment. One study in California, for instance, found that for every $1 spent on tree planting and maintenance, urban trees deliver $5.82 in benefits.

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America’s Clean Energy Frontier: The Pathway to a Safer Climate Future

Friday, October 6th, 2017
America

NRDC’s groundbreaking analysis demonstrates clearly that with bold action on energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification of vehicles and buildings with clean power, and electric grid enhancements, the United States can reach its 80 percent by 2050 climate goal. Moreover, we can get there at a much lower cost than any comparable study predicts.

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Broadband in Schools: Fulfilling Our Promise to America’s Students

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017

In 2017, the progress made possible by E-rate modernization continued, reducing the number of students without high-speed Internet access by 5.1 million and the number of schools without 21st-century broadband infrastructure by 45%, thereby setting the stage for the nation to deliver on our promise of digital equity by 2020.

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Unlocking Private Capital to Finance Sustainable Infrastructure

Thursday, September 28th, 2017
Private Capital to Finance Infrastructure - EDF + Business

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND EDF + BUSINESS Executive Summary Communities throughout the United States are facing unprecedented infrastructure challenges including compromised energy, water, and transportation systems. This is more than just a matter of inconvenience. Unless addressed, decades of neglect and lack of investment will result in loss of business sales, reduced jobs and wages, and […]

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The Oroville Dam Spillway Incident

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017
Oroville Dam Spillway Incident: Dam Spillway after incident

While some repair work is moving forward at Oroville, significant issues remain to be addressed. This incident is a wake-up call for action on several fronts at this facility and thousands of other high-hazard dams in the United States to ensure a safe and reliable water system that protects communities and the rivers that flow through them. A warming climate with changing precipitation patterns underscores the urgency.

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The 2017 United States Report Card on Walking and Walkable Communities

Thursday, September 21st, 2017
walking report card grades

NATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PLAN ALLIANCE Objective of the 2017 United States Report Card on Walking and Walkable Communities The primary goal of the 2017 United States Report Card on Walking and Walkable Communities (the Report Card) is to assess the extent to which the U.S. population and U.S. communities meet selected standards for participating in […]

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InfrastructureUSA: Citizen Dialogue About Civil Infrastructure