Infrastructure

More than 20 states are vying for $30 million in federal grants to help finance intercity passenger-rail projects, through the first federal-state partnership of its kind at the U.S. Department of Transportation, officials announced yesterday.

Massachusetts bonding authorities could receive additional oversight on borrowing if Gov. Deval Patrick signs legislation granting the state's Finance Advisory Board increased supervisory powers, an initiative that also includes extending its state appropriation pledge to $800 million of Massachusetts Turnpike Authority debt.

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said last week she does not support an increase in state gasoline and diesel fuel taxes to finance a new 10-year transportation program.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey yesterday said it would block flights into the three airports serving the New York City metropolitan area that are allocated landing slots through an auction conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

BRADENTON, Fla. - The Mississippi Department of Transportation on Friday received three statements of qualifications from firms interested in entering into the state's first public-private partnership.

A former New York state transportation official who helped obtain $2.9 billion of bonds for highway and other projects and pushed for more private investment in state infrastructure has cleared the final hurdle to become administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., unveiled an "emergency" economic plan Friday that would provide $25 billion to states to cover budgetary shortfalls and another $25 billion to replenish the struggling highway trust fund to avoid cutbacks in infrastructure repair and renovate schools.

DALLAS - Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor has proposed a $451.6 million street maintenance plan, which would be financed in part with $258 million of general obligation bonds, as a compromise to two competing street programs sponsored by city councilors and one that she put forth in May.

SAN FRANCISCO - The Los Angeles Unified School District last week placed a $7 billion general obligation bond measure on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Major federal transportation legislation enacted in 2005 helped states make gains in highway infrastructure even though problems such as traffic congestion and bridge deficiencies persist, the Reason Foundation said in its 17th annual report on state-owned road systems.