Economy

Construction could start as early as 2015 on a long-planned, largely bond-financed $3.5 billion trade bridge between Detroit and Windsor, the busiest trade route in the U.S.

Iowa Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald called Gov. Terry Branstad's alterative to the federal government's Medicaid expansion a bad deal for the state.

The California Health Facilities Financing Authority approved on Tuesday the sale of $1.9 billion of bonds to help Kaiser Foundation build six new hospitals, expand a current one, and construct a specialty medical office.

Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the underlying ratings on Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission senior lien revenue bonds to A1 from Aa3.

The Illinois Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a direct appeal of a Circuit Court decision leaving intact a state overhaul of retiree health care benefits.

Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services and South Dakota-based Sanford Health have canceled discussions over a possible union due to mounting opposition in Minnesota.

Texas voters would be asked to approve the use of $6 billion from the state rainy day fund for water and road projects under a measure under consideration in the state Senate.

The beleaguered Orange County Transportation Authority garnered another round of criticism recently — this time from a San Francisco nonprofit recommending that the tollway agency postpone an extension to its toll road until state authorities can review the operation.

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago plans to sell up to $450 million of new-money and refunding bonds as it finalizes financing plans for a $550 million replacement facility.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed a $500 million transportation bill that would, among other things, shore up a struggling Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Indianapolis comes to market Tuesday with $42 million of lease revenue bonds that mark the final piece of a financing for a massive new $734 million public safety net hospital located in downtown Indianapolis.

The Federal Aviation Administration has delayed closing 149 air traffic control towers until June 15, including 14 in Florida — the largest number of facilities affected in one state.

The Florida Department of Transportation has extended the time for firms interested in the $2.1 billion managed-lanes project on Interstate 4 through Orlando to submit their qualifications.

Baylor Health Care System plans to issue bonds ahead of its merger with Scott & White Healthcare, and Moody's downgraded Baylor Health one notch.

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority will sell $500 million of toll-backed revenue bonds next week in the agency's first market outing as it embarks on a $12.1 billion, 15-year capital program.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has named its chief engineer Dave Nichols to serve as director of the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Edward Hospital & Health Services and Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare formally decided to merge to create one system with more than $1 billion in annual revenues.

The Massachusetts House debated an alternative transportation and education financing bill one-fourth the size of what Gov. Deval Patrick has proposed.

The Ohio Turnpike Commission Monday tapped Citi as the senior manager on $1.5 billion of bonds backed by a new pledge of Ohio Turnpike revenues.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport took another downgrade Friday as Fitch Ratings lowered the revenue bond rating to A from A-plus.