Freeway Fighters Digest (week of 2/14)

freewaycreativeWeekly News Digest

Hi all,

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

Highways to Boulevards news

McConnell Tells States To Just Ignore Biden’s Progressive New Road Priorities – Streetsblog USA

Streetsblog USA February 12, 2022

After the Biden administration told states that they should spend federal transportation dollars on projects that put safety, sustainability, equity, and road repair first, two top Republican senators have told GOP governors to ignore the guidelines and spend the money any way they want.

Infrastructure Funding Could Lead to Higher Carbon Emissions | Planetizen News

Planetizen February 14, 2022

As the Biden administration prepares to distribute billions in infrastructure funding to state and local agencies, Brad Plumer writes, some experts caution that the funds could inadvertently worsen climate change by supporting road widening and construction projects.

New York wants to redress racial inequalities in highways. How will it work in 4 cities – Pressconnects

Pressconnects February 15, 2022

Outside of the expenses to build the web of thoroughfares and highways post-World War II, many of these roadways have torn the fabric out of many Black, Hispanic and immigrant communities — razing churches, paving over green spaces, and buttressing segregation.

Reckoning and Repair in Cities Divided by Racism and Exclusion – USNews.com

USNews.com February 16, 2022

Communities torn apart by racism and ‘renewal’ are slowly learning how to heal.

Critics question influx of transportation funding and effect on emissions – The Boston Globe

The Boston Globe February 16, 2022

Democratic state Rep. Lauren Carson’s constituents in Newport care about fixing crumbling roads and bridges. But living on Aquidneck Island, they also care about climate change.

Why America Is Tearing Down Its Highways – The B1M

The B1M February 17, 2022

The Federal-Aid Highway Act of the 1950s laid the groundwork for the backbone of American transportation today.

Smart Funding Decisions Needed to Build a Climate-friendly Transportation System for Maine

Natural Resources Council of Maine February 17, 2022

Maine’s transportation system is largely focused on moving cars quickly from point A to point B. But this focus risks missing the point entirely—and serves to create congestion, cost, and carbon pollution.

Proposed expansion in I-10 Downtown could cost over $780 million | KDBC

KDBC February 18, 2022

The El Paso County Commissioners Court will be given a review of the I-10 Segment 2 (Downtown) Expansion Proposal in Draft El Paso MPO MTP in Thursday’s meeting.

Do RI highway projects meet Act on Climate goals for carbon reduction? – The Providence Journal

The Providence Journal February 18, 2022

Climate activists are skeptical of Rhode Island’s plans for the windfall of federal transportation dollars provided by last year’s bipartisan infrastructure bill.

States to Feds: Don’t Tell Us How to Spend Infrastructure Money | The Pew Charitable Trusts

The Pew Charitable Trusts February 18, 2022

State and local leaders from both parties are at odds with the Biden administration over how billions of dollars in new infrastructure money should be spent.