Infrastructure

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith yesterday announced the launch of a working group that will push for the creation of a new federal "center of excellence" that municipal and state officials could consult for guidance on public-private partnerships.

Pennsylvania officials are debating whether to resubmit to federal officials an application to implement tolls on Interstate 80 or look to alternative revenue enhancers as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission continues its payments to the state.

DALLAS - The state Legislature's failure to approve $2 billion of bonds for the Texas Department of Transportation and uncertainty over the agency's future could force Gov. Rick Perry to call a special session, lawmakers said yesterday.

WASHINGTON - State and local issuers could be awarded as much as $1.5 billion in discretionary grants, loans, and other credit assistance as early as this fall, under the new stimulus law.

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority's heavy reliance on debt to finance its capital program will put increased pressure on its operating budget, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a report yesterday.

BRADENTON, Fla. - The Florida Department of Transportation yesterday said it had reached agreement on the business terms of a concession contract with the consortium Miami Access Tunnel to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the $1.2 billion Port of Miami Tunnel project.

New York Gov. David Paterson yesterday created a board to oversee the development and implementation of public-private partnership demonstration projects.

SAN FRANCISCO - Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski plans to sign a transportation infrastructure package that will raise $300 million annually to pay debt service on bonds and to fund local spending on roads, bridges, and public transit.

DALLAS - The time line for building a toll-financed roadway along the Trinity River corridor in downtown Dallas got a 20-month setback Monday.

DALLAS - A local option tax for transportation projects in major urban areas appeared doomed Monday as this year's session of the Texas Legislature came to a close.