Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 7/11)

Lauren MayerWeekly News Digest

Hi all,

Here is what is being said about freeway fighting this week. If you come across any articles, feel free to share and please let me know if you have any questions.

In case you missed it: Yesterday, the US Department of Transportation hosted the “Interested in Applying? Reconnecting Communities Grant Program Overview for Prospective Applicants” webinar. USDOT provided a general overview for prospective applicants, including elements of the NOFO and the evaluation criteria. Watch a recording of the July 14th webinar and use passcode: i6X7uTW&

On July 28 from 3:30-5:00 ET join America Walks for “Organizing Your Freeway Fight: Creating a Campaign Plan.” This workshop will give an overview of how to develop a campaign plan to achieve your goals. Register here so they have a rough headcount and can adjust the workshop’s curriculum accordingly. Also, the workshop is intended to be hands-on! So if you have a campaign plan and are comfortable sharing it for feedback, you can upload it here.

Freeway Fighters news

Archive photos from a 1961 helicopter ride over San Francisco capture the tragedy and …
San Francisco Chronicle July 9, 2022
On August 30, 1961, Chronicle reporter Ralph Craib and photographer Bill Young took a helicopter ride above the city, testing a short-lived $11 tour offered by San Francisco-Oakland Helicopter Airlines. 

The 710 stub and Southern California’s transit future – The Press-Enterprise
The Press-Enterprise July 10, 2022
A unanimous decision by the California Transportation Commission last week marked an historic turning point for Southern California.

Biden Administration Proposes New Rule to Track Emission Reductions by State DOTs
Planetizen July 11, 2022
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for states and municipalities to track and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” according to a press release published on the FHWA website on July 7.

Pete Buttigieg’s Climate Toll Road – WSJ
The Wall Street Journal July 11, 2022
An extraordinary new rule ignores what the Supreme Court just said about regulation.

Oklahoma turnpike expansion plan approved by transportation panel despite concerns
The Oklahoman July 12, 2022
Three proposed new turnpike routes were approved Monday by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission despite concerns by one member that the process is being rushed and the absence of a member representing threatened homeowners. 

TxDOT Recommends a 10-Lane ‘Infrastructure Grave’ in Dallas | Planetizen News
Planetizen July 13, 2022
“For many years now, TxDOT has studied the feasibility of removing Interstate 345, which is a 1.7-mile segment of elevated highway that dissects downtown Dallas in Deep Ellum.”

It’s Time for California to Stop Building Freeways. Full Stop. – CalBike
CalBike July 15, 2022
We were disappointed to see AB 1778, Assemblymember Cristina Garcia’s bill to end freeway expansion in environmentally disadvantaged communities, die in the Senate Transportation Committee

An Expanded Freeway In EaDo Puts Houston’s Cars vs. Housing Debate Back In The Headlights
Bisnow July 15, 2022
When the contentious North Houston Highway Improvement Project comes to East Downtown, it will tear up dozens of commercial properties, from affordable housing developments to popular breweries, along a stretch of St. Emanuel Street next to Interstate 69.