Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 7/15)

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.

The Department of Transportation has released the 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Fiscal Years 2024 – 2026 funding. Join for the “RCP Merit Criteria” webinar on Tuesday, July 23 at 2–3:30pm ET on ZoomPlease register on the RCP website under Webinars.

Our friends at the Union of Concerned Scientists will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, July 25 at 12:00–1:00pm ET. Whether you work in the public sector, private sector, or are seeking a career in the mobility field, join the Clean Transportation Program at the UCS for a virtual event to build advocacy skills that will help advance equitable low-carbon mobility choices. Register here.

Freeway Fighters News

Plan to expand portion of New Jersey Turnpike faces pushback. Why some are against it
MSN July 12, 2024
 A plan to expand a portion of the New Jersey Turnpike is getting pushback from the community.

As New Orleans works to revive this playground, debate over Claiborne Expressway continues
NOLA.com July 12, 2024
A beam of sunlight illuminated the empty playground at Hunter’s Field near St. Bernard Avenue in the 7th Ward this week, as it streamed through the lanes of the Claiborne Expressway. 

Here’s what’s next for the controversial N.J. Turnpike widening project 
NJ.com July 15, 2024
The final public forum about a controversial $6.2 billion project to replace the almost 70-year-old Newark Bay Bridge with twin spans has been held. 

State adopts controversial rule that makes it harder to expand and build new highways
Yahoo July 16, 2024
In a bold move, Colorado has made it harder to widen highways or build new ones — all to reduce pollution output.

In Richmond, A Struggle Over The Future Of A ‘Harlem Of The South’ 
WHRO July 17, 2024
Civil rights activist Gary Flowers bowed his head near a scrappy patch of grass hard by Interstate 95 on the north side of Jackson Ward.

Reconnecting Communities Grant Round Offers $600M for Highway Mitigation Projects
Planetizen July 18, 2024
A new round of federal Reconnecting Communities grant funding will jump-start some major infrastructure projects that have been lying dormant. 

Akron gives residents chance to meet the 4 finalists to design future of Innerbelt area
Akron Beacon Journal July 18, 2024
The city of Akron has selected four urban design consultant firms as finalists to plan the revitalization of the Akron Innerbelt area.