Caltrans Distributes $173.4M in State Grants to Local Transportation Agencies
The California Department of Transportation said it has awarded $173.4 million in the first round of Local Partnership Program grants funded through last year's Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Caltrans said Feb. 5 that the California Transportation Commission approved funding for 57 projects submitted by 32 local and regional agencies with voter-approved transportation fees or taxes in place. "These grants will act as matching funds for local entities that have already chosen t...
Louisiana to Tap $600M in GARVEE Bonds to Build Major Highway Projects in Three Areas
Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson said they would seek $600 million in federal Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to build four major road and bridge projects that have been in the state's transportation master plan for decades. They said Jan. 29 that Louisiana would begin the administrative process to request the bonds, consistent with state law. Those types of bonds borrow against expected future state allo...
Agilitas Backs Buyout of Hydro International
Agilitas, a pan-European private equity firm, today announces the buyout of Hydro International Limited ("Hydro" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of advanced products, services and technology for the treatment of wastewater and the control of stormwater, for municipal, industrial and construction customers. Hydro is headquartered in the UK, with significant US operations, and has operated in the water management sector since the 1980s. The Company is a technology leader in all its...
FRA Announces $73 Million Available for Rail Capital Projects and Operating Assistance
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced that it is accepting applications for $73 million in grant funding for projects that can strengthen intercity passenger rail, support capital projects and boost safety initiatives that may include the implementation of positive train control, improved highway-rail grade crossings, and congestion mitigation. “These grants are important resources in the Department’s ongoing efforts t...
FHWA Distributes $2.4B More in Federal-Aid Highway Obligation Authority to State DOTs
The Federal Highway Administration issued its latest notice Feb. 2 to distribute another $2.4 billion in obligation authority for federal-aid highway programs. That allows state DOTs to access part of their authorized funds from the Oct. 1 start of the 2018 fiscal year through Feb. 8, when the last congressional stopgap funding measure was scheduled to expire. But the partial-year funding under the notice continues at 2017 levels since Congress had not yet passed a full-year appropriations...
Minnesota Department of Transportation Saved Taxpayers $83 Million in 2017
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Reflecting the agency’s commitment to maximizing value for Minnesotans, a new report finds that the Minnesota Department of Transportation saved $83 million in 2017 from new and revised practices in its construction program delivery and project development. “Minnesotans expect and deserve good government,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Since 2015, MnDOT has saved $217 million and reinvested it back into road construction and maintenance projects across Minnesota. Building on t...
Governor Wolf Announces 45 Multimodal Transportation Projects to Benefit 22 Counties
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today announced that 45 highway, bridge, bike and pedestrian, and ports and waterways projects will benefit communities in 22 counties through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Multimodal Transportation Fund. "Our multimodal investments support important projects that help residents and local economies," said Governor Wolf. "We are making possible improvements that will bring significant benefits to these communities." The $41.5 mill...
Gannett Fleming Names 2018 Stockholders
(Harrisburg, Pa.) Gannett Fleming names Andrew Gillespie, PE, PEng; Teresa Peterson PE, CME, LEED AP O+M, ENV SP; Eric Rensel; and Terry Snow, PE, as stockholders of the firm. These recognized firm leaders drive innovation and strengthen client relationships. They also advance the culture of opportunity and empowerment within the firm through their demonstrated leadership, integrity, and commitment to Gannett Fleming’s corporate values. Gillespie brings more than 25 years of experience to...
EDA Grants Assist California Roads, Freight Rail Project to Support Texas, Arkansas
The Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration said it is awarding a $2.9 million grant to support a road infrastructure project in California, and $1.5 million for a freight rail project that supports business in Northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas. The EDA said it expects the projects from both grants to spur millions more in private investment in those areas. It said it awarded the California grant to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians of Highland, Calif., "to make...
Congress Now Eyeing Stopgap Funding Through March 22, Adding Pressure on State DOTs
House Republican leaders have indicated they plan to hold a vote in the coming week to again extend government-wide funding on a stopgap basis, through a new "continuing resolution" that would fund programs through March 22 and head off a potential shutdown as the current CR expire Feb. 8. That would give them more time to try to negotiate a full-year spending bill and settle differences over various policy issues. But while this latest CR would keep federal agencies operating another six wee...
Stormwater Interview with Robert Page, P.E., Vice President, HNTB
Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail Expansion
February Issue 2026
