The U.S. Department of Transportation's TIGER grants have just been announced. These are the last bit of federal stimulus funding for transportation--$1.5 billion for which there were over 1,400 applications, totaling nearly $60 billion. What's truly great about Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood's decisions is that most of the funding is being directed toward truly innovative, multi-modal projects that typically aren't prioritized highly. There are few traditional highway projects in the mix. Each state received funding for one project. Many are for rail (both freight and passenger) or transit projects, port improvements, bike/pedestrian accommodations, and even a wind power project were selected. Minnesota's award is $35 million to help renovations for St. Paul's Union Depot which will be the transportation hub for the east end of the Central Corridor light rail project, a relocated destination for local Amtrak passenger rail service, and a station for intercity and local bus connections.
Real, affordable electric vehicles are coming to market soon. Here's a Wired Magazine
story about the
Nissan Leaf, expected to be in production by this fall. With a 100 miles/charge range, these vehicles are an appealing, clean fuel option for those of us who can't afford a
Chevy Volt (to be available by late fall). You'll even be able to rent a Leaf by early 2011. Hertz has recently signed an
agreement with Nissan to make the Leaf available in the U.S. and Europe.
If you've been keeping up with Fresh Energy's Transportations Connections Department, you've probably heard about its push for a state Complete Streets policy. The measure aims to make streets safer and more accessible through various planning measures. This includes sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and shoulders. But as far as understanding how exactly these road changes would equal improved safety and a cleaner environment, it's a little bit difficult to get from point A to point B--no transportation pun intended. I didn't have a clear understanding of it, myself, until I actually saw it last week.
Back in late 2009, Mn/DOT released a draft rail plan that calls for major investment in the state's freight and passenger rail systems. A final plan will be adopted in early February. It's a major step forward that allows Minnesota to apply for federal funding to make these improvements a reality. Read Fresh Energy's comments on Mn/DOT's draft rail plan.
Over the past year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has worked with state and regional stakeholders to create a vision for rail services for Minnesota for the next 20 years--both freight system improvements as well as significant increases in passenger rail options for intrastate and regional travel. A draft Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan has been released for public review.
Representatives and partners of ElectriCharge Mobility visited Fresh Energy yesterday to talk about some exciting developments in the field of electric vehicle transportation. Partner Paul Axt said people often view the development of the industry as a chicken-and-egg problem between the vehicles and their charging stations. What must come first to grow the other? ElectriCharge Mobility and charging-station developer Coulomb Technologies believe we first need to show people charging stations are widespread and accessible, in order for people to purchase electric vehicles.
The wonderful, heart-calming news was that my daughter was okay, with only a bruise. The bad news? My car was totaled. When your work is to advocate for clean transportation choices, what's your next step?
If electric vehicles (EVs) are about to be the next big change in how we get around, they have to be available in quantities that meet market demand AND the infrastructure to easily recharge them needs to be widespread. The French have figured it out.
Did anyone think Congressman Jim Oberstar was bluffing when he spoke in Minneapolis last month and called for the Obama administration to step aside and let the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure do its job to move a major transportation finance bill in a timely way this fall?
Today in Politico, Oberstar speaks out again, saying that the administration's proposed 18-month extension of existing funding is "unacceptable." With industry support, support from the transportation reform alliance Transportation for America that includes Fresh Energy, and bipartisan backing in his committee, Chairman Oberstar may just be able pass his bill and send it to the Senate, keeping the heat on senators and the president.
Fresh Energy Blog