Infrastructure

The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority can now use the state's appropriation pledge on an upcoming $800 million refunding deal after Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday signed into law a more than $2 billion general bond bill that will help finance capital improvements throughout the state.

CHICAGO - A DuPage County, Ill., Circuit Court judge yesterday cleared the path for Chicago's demolition of about 500 suburban homes to make room for the $7.5 billion runway expansion plan at O'Hare International Airport, although local opponents vowed to carry on their legal challenge.

DALLAS - With airlines under unprecedented financial stress, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is continuing to cut costs to help its tenants survive, officials said yesterday.

DALLAS - The president of a Tulsa police association has warned the city council about devoting too much of the city's financial resources to a proposed 12-year, $2 billion street maintenance program.

The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority will review proposals for underwriting services on a $800 million refinancing bond deal that officials expect to price later this year.

WASHINGTON - Gasoline prices at $4.00 or more per gallon for a prolonged period could depress toll road traffic and revenue, and compel governments to increase tolls to prevent credit rating downgrades, Moody's Investors Service warned in a report issued today.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta was named the world’s busiest airport in 2007 by the Airports Council International.

SAN FRANCISCO - The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's $40 billion sales tax measure has been caught in a traffic jam. It's unclear whether the 30-year, half-cent sales tax will make it to the November ballot.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority officials yesterday announced a proposed electronic tolling plan on Interstate 80 that would implement nine stations along the roadway, bringing in roughly $450 million of toll revenue each year.

CHICAGO - The board of the Wayne County Airport Authority recently approved a $3.6 billion master plan for the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport that postpones plans to build a fifth runway and a passenger monorail line.