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News this week sponsored by: Roads & Bridges magazine (RB)

NEWS CATEGORY - REGULATORY/LEGISLATIVE
House OKs additional highway funding    Jul 23, 08   Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Bill would restore $8 billion, abate trust fund shortfall
Senate Appropriations Committee approves FY 2009 transportation funding legislation    Jul 14, 08   AGC of America
Measure will fully fund highway and transit programs at SAFTEA-LU authorized levels
Report looks at national legislative woes    Jul 3, 08   stateline.org
Gas prices among issues
House drops Highway Trust Fund fix    Jun 24, 08   AGC of America
Provision would have provided $8 billion for pending insolvency
Senate consideration of climate change legislation likely ended    Jun 6, 08   AGC of America
AGC supported highway congestion relief amendment proposed
Illinois construction plan price balloons to $31 billion    May 21, 08   Quad-City Times, The Chicago Tribune
Increase raises questions as to whether the plan will succeed
Top congressional aides to brief transportation construction industry on issues    May 19, 08   ARTBA
Senior staff will present views about SAFETEA-LU reauthorization and highway trust fund solvency
Massachusetts governor offers $3 billion plan for bridge repairs    May 14, 08   The Boston Globe
Work would occur over next 8 years
Colorado governor blames Republicans for legislative failure    May 8, 08   The Denver Post
Proposals to fix Colorado roads and bridges fail
Louisiana bill seeks to limit traffic cameras    May 8, 08   The News-Star
Cameras should not be aimed at front of cars, senator says
Debate on FAA reauthorization bill postponed    May 7, 08   AGC
Bill includes provision that would supplement HTF revenue
$5 billion needed annually to maintain Illinois roads and bridges, experts say    Apr 24, 08   The Chicago Tribune
Sessions aim to draw support for funding
'Gas Tax Holiday' amendment offered then withdrawn    Apr 18, 08   AGC
Sen. Jon Kyl intends to pursue amendment at later date
Nebraska Legislature overrides governor's gas tax veto    Apr 17, 08   World-Herald Bureau
Gas slated to increase 1.2 cents per gallon
AGC protests McCain’s proposed gas tax moratorium    Apr 16, 08   AGC
‘Gas Tax Holiday’ estimated to cost HTF $8.5 billion
ARTBA voices opposition to senate bill    Apr 11, 08   ARTBA
Clean Water Restoration Act would expand federal wetlands jurisdiction
Legislature's Transportation Committee votes in favor of bill to fix Maine bridges    Apr 11, 08   Bangor Daily News, cnbc.com
Bill envisions 246 bridge projects
TCC testimony addresses Highway Trust Fund solvency    Apr 4, 08   AGC of America
Hearing called to answer questions related to fund's revenue shortage
Nebraska governor vetoes first fuel tax hike    Apr 4, 08   Lincoln Journal Star, KETV
Senators will try to override veto
Legislators reject one toll bill, accept another    Mar 28, 08   Rocky Mountain News
Plan to charge tolls for I-70 tunnel moves closer to Senate approval
AGC discusses highway reauthorization with DOT deputy secretary    Mar 25, 08   AGC of America
Administration is interested in putting together a proposal to initiate debates
Ruling creates roadblock for Virginia    Mar 4, 08   The Washington Post, Danville Register & Bee
State road taxing authority rejected
ARTBA president joins national political, business and labor leaders at NY conference    Feb 22, 08   ARTBA
Sessions outline challenges facing America's aging infrastructure
Court invalidates Ultimax patents    Feb 19, 08   CTS Cement Manufacturing Co.
Court rules that CTS Cement Manufacturing did not infringe on Ultimax patents
Alabama lawmakers uncertain about bond issue for roads    Feb 4, 08   Tuscaloosa News, TimesDaily.com
State struggles to find funds to construct, repair roads and bridges
Commission to release report to Congress on future surface transportation policy    Jan 17, 08   AGC of America
Commission expected to call for a strong federal role
New Jersey governor calls for 50% toll increase    Jan 9, 08   Inquirer Trenton Bureau
Plan would begin in 2010 and aim to cut state debt
Colorado lawmakers suggest taxes, fees for roads    Jan 9, 08   The Denver Post
A governor's panel backs raising car registration and fuel taxes
Maryland share of omnibus earmarks exceeds $200 million    Dec 21, 07   The Baltimore Sun
Amount falls short of what state had been designated
Full highway funding included in omnibus appropriations agreement    Dec 19, 07   AGC of America
Bill will fund government programs through end of FY 2008
Lack of funds halts New Mexico road projects    Dec 10, 07   The Associated Press
Nearly $500 million financing shortfall delays 29 projects
Iowa governor refuses to raise gas tax to fund road projects    Dec 7, 07   Quad-City Times
Gov. Chet Culver believes lawmakers should seek alternative funding sources
OSHA reaffirms shear connectors policy    Dec 7, 07   ARTBA
Employers with compliant fall protection programs can prefabricate shear connectors on steel beams.
Massachusetts orders removal of overpass flags, troop tributes    Dec 4, 07   The Boston Globe
State says displays raise safety concerns
Legislature to consider bond issue for Alabama bridges    Nov 29, 07   The Montgomery Advertiser
$275 million bond issue would fund replacement of county bridges
L.A. area fails to capture bulk of transportation funds    Nov 28, 07   The Sacramento Bee / The Los Angeles Times
Panel rules Prop. 1B money will be distributed more evenly
Arizona lawmaker favors toll roads to raise money    Nov 16, 07   The Associated Press
State struggles to find additional funds to build new highways
House and Senate conferees approve FY 2008 transportation appropriations    Nov 12, 07   AGC of America
White House has issued veto threat on bill
Ark. Governor suggests tax raise go toward road improvements    Nov 6, 07   The Daily Citizen
Funding would assist with growing highway needs
House committee approves bridge reconstruction and inspection bill    Nov 1, 07   AGC of America
Additional $2 billion will be provided to states to improve bridge conditions
AGC leaders visit Capitol Hill to discuss highway reauthorization    Oct 25, 07   AGC of America
Leaders encourage creation of highway user rate commission
CTA bailout plan stalls    Oct 25, 07   Gatehouse News Service
House Speaker rejects suggestion to divert gasoline taxes
Senate president nixes interstate fee proposal    Oct 5, 07   Boston Herald
Move would have charged Bay State residents 5 cents per mile to ride on interstates
House passes FAA reauthorization bill    Sep 24, 07   Associated General Contractors of America
Bill provides $15.8 billion for the Airport Improvement Program over four years
Disagreements continue over how to pay for highway and school construction program    Sep 18, 07   Pantograph.com
Ongoing talks are producing little progress
Minneapolis mayor "embarrassed" by bridge impasse    Sep 17, 07   Star Tribune
Mayor R.T. Rybak feels not enough is being done to address state roads and bridges
Senators introduce "Build America Bonds" legislation    Sep 10, 07   AGC
Funding would finance roads, rail, bridge, water and other infrastructure projects
Arkansas State Rep. Hutchinson pushes to change how highway money is divided    Sep 7, 07   The Benton County Daily Record
Hutchinson proposes changes she says will decrease traffic problems
Minnesota DFL leaders seek quick special session    Sep 5, 07   Star Tribune
Leaders summon Gov. Pawlenty to call a meeting to deal with Aug. disasters
Bridge concerns hamper plans to build homes in New Hampshire    Aug 21, 07   The Rutland Herald
Overweight vehicles denied access to certain bridges
Florida senator wants state bridge inspections made public    Aug 17, 07   Florida Today Capital Bureau
Documents may be secret under antiterrorism laws
Stricter Calif. emissions rules prompt companies to sell equipment overseas    Aug 13, 07   San Francisco Chronicle
In scramble to meet cleaner diesel guidelines, Calif. rental companies try selling older machinery elsewhere
Oberstar announces national bridge repair plan    Aug 8, 07   Oberstar
Proposal comes days after House passes bill to replace I-35W bridge
Univ. of Arkansas transportation center eligible for security study    Jul 31, 07   Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Proposal would give six institutions $72 million to study how to protect infrastructure
House passes '08 transportation funding, veto threatened    Jul 25, 07   AGC Highway Facts Bulletin
Bill funds highway program at $40.2 billion, exceeds President's budget request
Controversy brews over Alaskan road proposal    Jul 23, 07   Washington Post
Road would provide medical care, but could harm fragile ecosystem
AGC opposes legislation expanding federal wetland permitting requirements    Jul 20, 07   AGC Highway Facts Bulletin
Urges clarification of limits to federal jurisdiction over waters and wetlands
Senate Appropriations Committee approves FY 2008 transportation funding    Jul 16, 07   AGC Highway Facts Bulletin
Highway program funded at SAFETEA-LU guaranteed level of $40.2 billion
N. Va. transportation board votes to increase taxes    Jul 13, 07   Washington Post
Some say tax increases necessary to make up for neglect of state government
Pennsylvania House approves $700 million transportation package    Jul 3, 07   AASHTO
Bill now headed to state Senate
Delaware legislators approve transportation funding increases    Jul 2, 07   AASHTO
Motor vehicle fees increased to meet state's transportation needs
House committee approves aviation infrastructure bill    Jun 29, 07   AGC Highway Facts Bulletin
Bill reauthorizes federal aviation programs through fiscal year 2011
U.S. Supreme Court blocks expansion of Endangered Species Act    Jun 26, 07   ARTBA
5-4 decision means potential project planning delays eliminated
California diesel exhaust debate heats up    Jun 21, 07   San Diego Union-Tribune
Air board, industry disagree on cost of new standards
Idaho congressman asks for investigation of road project setbacks    Jun 20, 07   The Idaho Statesman
Request follows meeting on streamlining federal funding process
State Transportation Secretary challenges Oberstar on recent PPP statements    May 22, 07   IBTTA
Says tolling, public-private partnerships are vital tools to achieving mobility and economic growth
AASHTO urges end to rescissions    May 21, 07   AASHTO Journal
Resolution states rescissions will affect states' ability to program projects
HDR’s Lewis testifies before U.S. House of Representatives Transit Subcommittee    May 16, 07   HDR
Testimony regarding New Starts and Small Starts program
Executive Order addresses vehicle greenhouse emissions    May 16, 07   AGC of America
President's proposal aims to decrease fossil fuel consumption by 20% in 10 years
AEM applauds bipartisan deal of U.S. Trade Representative and congressional leaders    May 15, 07   Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Agreement aimed at forward movement on U.S. trade agenda
Deal reached in Senate on fuel efficiency standard    May 15, 07   Associated General Contractors of America
Fuel efficiency standards to increase
House T&I Committee passes National Public Works Week resolution    May 10, 07   APWA
H. Res. 352 passes committee by voice vote; NPWW 2007 to be celebrated May 20-26
Second SAFETEA-LU commission meets    Apr 30, 07   AGC of America
National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission held its first meeting last week
House passes SAFETEA-LU technical corrections bill    Apr 4, 07   AASHTO Journal
Technical corrections bill extends deadline and adds money for national surface transportation revenue study panel
House and Senate pass budget resolution for FY 2008    Mar 30, 07   AGC of America
Administration objects to additional highway funding
Bill would authorize $6 billion in transportation security grants    Mar 14, 07   AASHTO Journal
House subcommittees hold hearing on bill to provide over $6 billion in grants for security improvements for transit
ARTBA files brief in ESA case    Feb 23, 07   ARTBA
ARTBA files brief in Supreme Court Endangered Species Act case, final outcome could delay transportation projects
FHWA's Capka addresses budget goals    Feb 15, 07   AASHTO Journal
Rick Capka outlines administration's budget efforts to bolster the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund
Bill seeks money to pay for Minn. bridge    Feb 9, 07   St. Cloud Times
Two bills seeking $6 million for Sauk Rapids bridge now in discussion at state's Capitol
Bush administration releases FY 2008 budget proposal    Feb 7, 07   ARTBA, AGC and the American Highway Users Alliance
President's budget plan fails to adhere to the surface transportation program investments guaranteed by SAFETEA-LU
Geist retains chairmanship of Pa. House Transportation Committee    Feb 5, 07   Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Pennsylvania Representative Rick Geist appointed to serve as Republican chairman of the state's House Transportation Committee for seventh consecutive term
ARTBA victorious again in Tulloch Wetlands litigation    Feb 1, 07   ARTBA
Federal court strikes down U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposal to expand federal regulation of wetlands
Continuing resolution includes full funding for transportation projects    Jan 31, 07   AGC, American Highway Users Alliance
FY 2007 funding resolution to include full SAFETEA-LU amount of $39.1 billion for the highway program
Republicans close to deal on road money in Va.    Jan 19, 07   Washington Post
Republicans reportedly close to announcing deal on proposal to fix Virginia's transportation system
U.S. DOT offers draft legislation on public-private partnerships    Jan 17, 07   AASHTO Journal
Proposed legislation could help states reduce barriers to private-sector investments in transportation infrastructure
Highway program's 2007 funding cut could be permanent    Dec 13, 06   AGC
Incoming appropriations committee chairmen announce intentions for year-long Continuing Resolution at current levels
New Congress offers renewed hope for transportation solutions    Dec 5, 06   International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
New Congress brings new opportunities to seek funds for halting infrastructure decay
Wyoming governor’s top priority to supplement highway funding    Dec 1, 06   Casper Star-Tribune
$162 million would come out of mineral fund and go to highway construction and repair
FHWA proposes to strengthen work-zone enforcement    Nov 20, 06   AASHTO Journal
FHWA proposes to strengthen work-zone safety precautions
Democratic control retains seasoned transportation leaders in Congress    Nov 17, 06   AASHTO Journal
House shift to Democratic control after the Nov. 7th elections retains seasoned transportation leaders
Transportation initiatives successful around the country    Nov 10, 06   ARTBA and AGC
Voters support nearly $40 billion for transportation funding in Nov. 7th election
ARTBA weighs in on greenhouse gas emissions case    Oct 26, 06   ARTBA
Industry and trade organizations filed a brief in litigation regarding regulation of "greenhouse gas emissions"
Foes of Indiana I-69 extension file federal lawsuit    Oct 17, 06   AASHTO Journal
Opponents of the proposed extension of I-69 in Indiana filed suit to block the project
Arkansas' regional officials look to improve mobility planning    Oct 3, 06   AASHTO Journal
Members of the Northwest Arkansas Council meet to discuss ways to amend Regional Mobility Act
Senate EPW Committee marks up SAFETEA-LU technical corrections bill    Sep 22, 06   AASHTO Journal
Senate EPW Committee marks up SAFETEA-LU technical corrections bill to provide more research funding
FHWA releases federal aid obligation authority redistribution totaling $2.1 billion    Sep 22, 06   AASHTO Journal
$2.1 billion in increased obligation authority made available to states for FY 2006
New Hampshire bypass issue heads to federal court    Sep 15, 06   The Union Leader
Controversial case involving the proposed Langley Parkway in Concord, N.H., heads to a federal court in Maine
Senate committee votes to extend commission deadline    Sep 15, 06   AGC
National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission gets six-month extension to issue final report
University Transportation Centers named    Aug 7, 06   AASHTO Journal
RITA recently announced 10 universities designated as Regional University Transportation Centers under provisions of SAFETEA-LU
Growth today, uncertainty tomorrow    Aug 3, 06   Transportation Builders Association
As the transportation market continues to show positive growth in 2006,experts wonder about its future
Agency violates Clean Water Act for construction sites    Jul 27, 06   North American Concrete Alliance
District Court finds agency violates Clean Water Act for construction sites
D.C. Court rejects EPA's reconsideration request    Jul 27, 06   North American Concrete Alliance
D.C. Court rejects EPA's request to reconsider new source review decision
Senate Subcommittee approves record highway funding    Jul 19, 06   AGC
Senate Subcommittee approves $39.1 billion for the FY 2007 highway program
California Legislature passes infrastructure bond bill for November ballot    Jun 23, 06   AASHTO Journal
California Legislature passed $36 billion bond package for building roads, schools and flood-control projects
Victory for transportation industry in wetlands case    Jun 20, 06   ARTBA
U.S. Supreme Court limits scope of Army Corps of Engineers' authority on wetlands cases
FHWA proposing to revise design-build projects pertaining to NEPA    Jun 9, 06   AASHTO Journal
FHWA proposes to revise contracting practices called for in SAFETEA-LU that would allow transportation agencies to proceed with preliminary design-build plans prior to the completion of the NEPA assessment
Supplemental appropriations bill shelved until after Memorial Day    Jun 2, 06   AASHTO Journal
Congress postponing action on $94.5 billion supplemental appropriations bill for defense, hurricane relief and funding for highway and rail projects until after the Memorial Day recess
House subcommittee approves record 2007 transportation funding    May 31, 06   AGC of America
House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee recently approved FY 2007 transportation funding measure that provides $39.1 billion for the highway program
Virginia transportation stalemate continues as budget deadline approaches    May 12, 06   AASHTO Journal
Virginia searches for funding and transportation solutions
Californians to vote on diversion of transportation funds    May 10, 06   ARTBA
Californians will vote to ensure funds are dedicated to transportation purposes
Connecticut governor, lawmakers reach pact on transportation    May 5, 06   AASHTO Journal
Bipartisan agreement between Connecticut governor and legislative leaders delivers 10-year, $2.3 billion transportation package
$1.2 billion "Connecting Idaho" program goes on the books    May 1, 06   AASHTO Journal
Funding passed for Idaho's $1.2 billion highway initiative, the largest in state history
Federal judge calls for more information on proposed Merritt Parkway changes    Apr 19, 06   AASHTO Journal
Federal judge calls for more information about Connecticut’s proposed expansion of an interchange on the historic Merritt Parkway in Norwalk, prior to making a decision about whether the project should proceed
FHWA calls on five states for environmental streamlining information    Apr 17, 06   AASHTO Journal
FHWA publishes information it will require of five states selected to pilot a provision of SAFETEA-LU that would allow states to assume authority for environmental reviews of highway projects
Administration members of surface transportation revenue, study panel to be named    Apr 14, 06   AASHTO Journal
Bush announces intentions to nominate remaining to panel that is to address the programmatic and financing needs of the nation’s surface-transportation programs
EPW senators introduce Infrastructure Improvement Act    Mar 29, 06   AASHTO Journal
Senators introduce National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2006, legislation created to address deteriorating conditions of our nation’s roads, bridges, drinking-water systems, dams and other public works
FHWA issues guidance on coordinating environmental streamlining    Mar 24, 06   AASHTO Journal
FHWA issued guidance on how state transportation departments and local agencies can use additional surface-transportation funds to improve environmental streamlining for highway and transit projects
SHRP II progressing; federal funding decisions remain    Mar 10, 06   AASHTO Journal
Transportation Research Board moves forward with the Congressionally approved Strategic Highway Research Program II, but funding for the project beyond the first year remains to be determined
Toll roads could help fund Pa.'s transportation needs    Mar 1, 06   Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Report to Legislature recommends public/private partnerships in Pa.
Supreme Court considering wetlands cases    Mar 1, 06   AASHTO Journal
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in two cases that could determine the extent to which the Army Corps of Engineers can regulate wetlands
New Jersey to challenge court decision on big rig ban    Mar 1, 06   AASHTO Journal
New Jersey plans to appeal federal court decision calling the state’s prohibition of big rigs on secondary roads unconstitutional and discriminatory
U.S. Court of Appeals ruling paves way for California sand and mining project operation    Feb 22, 06   ARTBA
U.S. transportation construction industry earned important victory when federal appeals court upheld consent decree allowing aggregate mining operation to commence at southern California mining site
House Transportation Subcommittee reviews Highway Trust Fund solvency    Feb 17, 06   AGC
Concern is raised in Administration's budget proposal, which projects current revenue into the HTF will not support SAFETEA-LU funding levels through FY 2009
FY 2007 budget proposal recommends $65 billion for U.S. DOT-administered programs    Feb 10, 06   ARTBA
Bush Administration released its FY 2007 budget proposal earlier this week, $65 billion of the measure recommended for the programs administered by the U.S. DOT
Defense spending bill contains transportation cuts    Dec 29, 05   AASHTO Journal
The defense appropriations bill pending in the Senate contains several provisions that are of significance for transportation funding in fiscal year 2006
Defense spending bill contains transportation cuts    Dec 29, 05   AASHTO Journal
The defense appropriations bill pending in the Senate contains several provisions that are of significance for transportation funding in fiscal year 2006
Transportation Builders, NSSGA, Public Project Group file Supreme Court wetlands brief    Dec 13, 05   AASHTO Journal
ARTBA, the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and the Nationwide Public Project Coalition have filed an amicus brief in two cases coming before the U.S. Supreme Court that could decide the future of wetlands litigation cases
ARTBA and industry allies file brief in Supreme Court wetlands case    Dec 7, 05   ARTBA
Significant transportation-related environmental case will soon come before the U.S. Supreme Court
Industry officials say transportation bill’s image undermined by controversial earmarks    Dec 7, 05   AASHTO Journal
Transportation industry officials say excessive focus on controversial earmarks in SAFETEA-LU has left the public with a negative impression of the new law
AGC meets with FHWA about DBE joint check policy    Dec 5, 05   AGC
FHWA recently issued a clarification to states on its policy on the use of joint checks for payments to subcontractors as part of the DBE program
FY 2006 transportation appropriations approved    Nov 28, 05   AGC
Measure funds the highway program at $36.032 billion, the amount authorized in the SAFETEA-LU legislation
Environmental review process being hijacked by groups opposed to adding transportation capacity    Nov 18, 05   ARTBA
ARTBA tells House panel the National Environmental Policy Act needs to be revised so decisions made by government agencies aimed at adding new highway capacity are not subject to endless legal challenge by project opponents
Transportation investment wins big in November elections