Infrastructure

CHICAGO — Illinois announced yesterday plans to competitively sell $400 million of new-money general obligation bonds on Sept. 16, the first leg of borrowing to finance shovel-ready road and bridge projects that are part of a $31 billion capital program.

WASHINGTON - An advocacy group in Virginia is suing federal and state transportation officials over the Dulles Toll Road, arguing that drivers are being illegally charged tolls used to back bonds issued for a Dulles Metrorail project.

CHICAGO - Southeast Michigan needs to invest more than double the $68 billion it currently plans to spend over the next 26 years to adequately address all its transportation needs, according to a report released this week by a regional government planning group.

WASHINGTON - At least two toll authorities are competing for funds from a federal grant program set up under the stimulus law after several others helped finance their projects with Build America Bonds, which also were authorized by the stimulus package.

SAN FRANCISCO — A state Superior Court judge this week handed down what appears to be a new roadblock to California’s bond-financed high-speed passenger rail project.

DALLAS — Louisiana’s top highway official told lawmakers on Wednesday that soon there will be no money available for new highway projects unless additional funding sources are provided.

WASHINGTON - At least 11 states have submitted requests for the first portion of $8 billion of federal high-speed rail stimulus funds. California, Florida, Michigan, New York, and Texas alone requested more than $4.5 billion for planning, engineering, and early construction of high-speed rail projects.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority yesterday approved refunding up to $900 million of outstanding debt to generate savings for the agency.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Monday that Michigan has applied for $830 million in federal stimulus funds as the first step in setting up high-speed rail across the state.

SAN FRANCISCO - Supporters of a planned Alaska toll bridge to be funded through a public-private partnership appear to have won a round this summer in legal maneuvering over the project's future, though major financing hurdles remain to be crossed.