Federal Highway Administration

“This final rule includes critical updates that make sure those protections match the needs of the 21st century—and offer fair compensation and moving assistance to the people impacted by projects," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. (USDOT)

USDOT Issues Uniform Act Final Rule

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced a final rule to update the government wide Unform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Polices Act of 1970 (Uniform Act).

“Having a library, public restrooms, a community center, and a kitchen all under one roof—and only steps away from Skagit station—will be a major benefit for the people of Mount Vernon,” USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg said May 1. “This is the first of what we hope will be many TOD loans that will make vital resources more accessible to more people, especially historically overlooked communities.” (Screen Shot of the Mount Vernon Library Commons Project from a city of Mt. Vernon, Wash., video)

USDOT Closes First Loan Supporting TOD

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on May 1 reported that its Build America Bureau has approved the first transit-oriented development (TOD) TIFIA loan, which will support a Mt. Vernon, Wash., project located a short walk from the Amtrak-served Skagit Station.

K. Jane Williams (left) and Cheryl Walker are each serving as National Practice Consultant and Vice President in the HNTB’s Advisory practice.
  • News

Williams, Walker Join HNTB Advisory Practice

Former Acting Federal Transit Administrator K. Jane Williams and former Federal Highway Administration leader Cheryl Walker have been appointed policy advisors at HNTB, an infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors.

APTA to Congress: Fully Fund FY24 Public Transportation Investments

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is urging the House and Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Committee leaders “to resolve their differences and provide the critical investments needed to improve our nation’s public transit, passenger rail, and multimodal infrastructure.”

Virginia DPRT Executive Director Jennifer DeBruhl will retire at the end of June.
  • News

DeBruhl to Retire as DRPT Executive Director

Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) Executive Director Jennifer DeBruhl will retire at the end of June, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch report.

FTA Seeks Public Comment on Grant Consolidation

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on July 12 announced that it is seeking public guidance on a new consolidated circular entitled, “Grant Programs for Urbanized Areas: Program Guidance and Application Instructions.” Comments are due Sept. 11, 2023.

Operation Lifesaver Inc. Executive Director Rachel Maleh.

OLI: $214,075 for Crossing Safety Public Awareness Campaigns

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, on April 25 announced $214,075 in competitive crossing safety awareness grants to OLI programs in 12 states. The FHWA provided $200,000 of the total funding.

PROTECT-funded projects will help “ensure our infrastructure is built to withstand more frequent and unpredictable extreme weather is critical for communities counting on a road or bridge to be open for first responders, and it is critical for a business that must get its essential goods to shelves,” FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt said.

USDOT: Applications Open for $848MM PROTECT Grant Program

Up to $848 million in funding is now available to help make intercity passenger rail, public transportation, ports, pedestrian facilities and highways more resilient to climate change impacts, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) reported April 21.

LOAD MORE