Fri June 17, 2016
Illinois Borrows $550M for Building Despite Budget Mess
(AP) — Illinois borrowed $550 million Thursday for construction projects, taking advantage of historically low interest rates as the state approaches one full year with a budget. Gov. Bruce Rauner's office announced the bond sale to Bank of America Merrill Lynch in a bidding process that offered Illinois a 3.74 percent interest rate—the lowest in Illinois history for similarly situated general obligation bonds, a spokeswoman said....
Wed June 15, 2016
Construction Begins on New La Guardia Terminal
The New York Post is reporting that Vice president Joe Biden returned to La Guardia Airport — which he once said reminded him of a “third-world country” — on Tuesday to help break ground on the new main terminal....
James Macpherson - ASSOCIATED PRESS - Wed June 15, 2016
North Dakota State Tax Credit Outlives Its Usefulness
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) A state income tax credit that helped subsidize construction of thousands of living spaces largely in western North Dakota's oil patch has outlived its usefulness with the downturn in drilling and a prolonged slump in crude prices, the chairmen of the Senate and House taxation committees say....
John O’Connor - AP POLITICAL W - Wed June 15, 2016
$11.2B Road Plan Focuses on Maintenance, Repair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration announced it would increase spending on road and bridge repairs by nearly $3 billion during the next six years, but the state's transportation secretary said the state still won't get ahead of deteriorating roads....
Bob Salsberg - ASSOCIATED PRESS - Tue June 14, 2016
Less Snow, Milder Temperatures Ease Winter Budgets
BOSTON (AP) In pure dollars and cents, the past winter in southern New England packed roughly half the punch as the previous winter. Milder temperatures and considerably less snow allowed states to save on plowing and salting costs....
Tue June 14, 2016
Gov. Hassan, NHDOT Accept Federal TIFIA Funds
Continuing her efforts to build a stronger, more modern transportation infrastructure that will help New Hampshire's people and businesses grow and thrive, Gov. Maggie Hassan and New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) Commissioner Victoria Sheehan accepted $200 million in federal funds from a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan from the United States Department of Transportation at an event overlooking an Interstate 93 construction project....
Matt O'Brien - ASSOCIATED PRESS - Tue June 14, 2016
Biden Calls for Infrastructure Investment in Rhode Island
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Vice President Joe Biden said Rhode Island needs to invest in its transportation infrastructure after touring a dilapidated highway bridge he joked is being held up by a children's toy....
Tue June 14, 2016
Gov. Shumlin Signs Transportation Bill, Provides $612M for Vermont Projects
Gov. Peter Shumlin signed the FY 2017 Transportation Bill which approves $612,574,418 in infrastructure improvements and maintenance of the state's highways, bridges, rail lines and airports along with capital and operating support for public transit systems and other programs critical to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in Vermont....
Tue June 14, 2016
Judge Dismisses Cherokee County Lawsuits Challenging Oil Pipeline
The Sioux City Journal is reporting that two lawsuits aimed at stopping an oil pipeline company from exercising eminent domain to obtain private land along the pipeline route were dismissed Monday, the same day hearings to determine the value of the land being sought began....
Sam Hananel - ASSOCIATED PRESS - Tue June 14, 2016
High Court Sides With Property Owners in Wetlands Case
WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court is making it easier for landowners to bring a court challenge when federal regulators try to restrict property development due to concerns about water pollution. The justices ruled unanimously that a Minnesota company could file a lawsuit against the U.S....
