Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 3/18)

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.

Join us for our next Freeway Fighters Monthly Meetup. The meeting is on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 4:00 – 5:00pm ET. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85374450268.

Freeway Fighters News

After construction projects split communities 70 years ago, new funding aims to reconnect
WFYI March 16, 2024
New federal funding aims to reconnect Indiana communities that were cut off by transportation infrastructure decades ago.

City receives $5.6M federal ‘Reconnecting Communities’ grant to revamp BQE
Brooklyn Paper March 16, 2024
The city has been awarded a $5.6 million federal “Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods” grant to help revamp the northern and southern stretches of the infamous Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Residents applaud cancellation of highway expansion after decades of controversy
The Cool Down March 16, 2024
Transportation authorities have canceled a controversial project after an Environmental Impact Report found that there would be “significant” consequences. 

Oregon leaders, Albina Vision Trust applaud big investment in reversing ‘shameful disruption of Black neighborhood
Oregon Public Broadcasting March 16, 2024
State and federal leaders are casting a vote of confidence in a Portland nonprofit working to revitalize a historically Black neighborhood that’s been targeted by decades of racist development policies.

President Biden in Milwaukee to Announce Over $3 Billion to Reconnect Communities
Milwaukee Courier March 17, 2024
President Joe Biden was in Milwaukee on Wednesday to announce the $3 billion in infrastructure investments in disadvantaged communities across 40 states. 

Can a greenway transform one of the most dangerous and health-impacted corridors in the state?
The Mercury News March 17, 2024
The I-880 corridor through the East Bay faces a myriad of environmental, financial, and transportation challenges. 

Duluth awarded crucial grant to study its divisive interstate 
AOL.com March 17, 2024
Duluth now has $1.8 million to plan ways to connect the city’s downtown to Canal Park.

A neighborhood rebirth? Activist eyes option for decommissioned section of Akron Innerbelt
Akron Beacon Journal March 19, 2024
It might take several years, but if you ask activist and Akron city contractor Liz Ogbu, the decommissioned part of the Akron Innerbelt could once again become a blend of residential, commercial and green spaces.

This Bay Area city is the latest to try and reconnect neighborhoods divided by freeways
The Mercury News March 19, 2024
In the span of a mile, two highways and a rail line slice through the heart of South San Francisco, forming barriers that residents must navigate daily on their way to work, school or to visit family.

Baltimore awarded $6 million in federal grant to reconnect communities with Druid Hill Park
CBS News March 20, 2024
U.S. lawmakers representing Maryland secured $6 million in federal funds to assist in reconnecting west Baltimore communities with Druid Hill Park. 

Feds Seek to Heal Community Scars From Interstate Highways
governing.com March 21, 2024
A lot of the original urban fabric in Philadelphia’s central downtown core is still intact.

An I-75 lid? Grant to study building land over downtown Detroit highway
FOX 2 Detroit March 21, 2024
Could a lid be built over I-75 in Detroit?

I-94 reconstruction: Group opposes project that would expand highway
FOX6 News Milwaukee March 21, 2024
A Milwaukee group on Wednesday, March 20 spoke out against an I-94 reconstruction project that recently received federal approval. 

The Biggest Wins — And Disappointments — From the ‘Reconnecting Communities’ Grants
Streetsblog USA March 22, 2024
The latest round of Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program (RCN) awards announced last week underscores the need for a transformational infrastructure bill that puts communities before highways.

Federal government awards $158 million grant to cap Vine Expressway, reconnect Chinatown
The Daily Pennsylvanian March 22, 2024
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania government officials secured $158 million in federal funding to reconnect Philadelphia’s Chinatown, which is currently severed by the Vine Street Expressway. 

Could a lid over I-75 connect Downtown Detroit? State & city to explore potential plan
WXYZ March 22, 2024
The City of Detroit has received a $2 million grant from President Joe Biden’s administration to conduct an analysis for a potential lid over I-75 in Downtown Detroit.