Urban Planning/Transportation / Public News Service

80% of Wyoming adults say that EMS should be considered an essential service, according to a 2024 AARP survey. (Kirill Gorlov/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Some emergency medical services, or EMS, are consolidating or closing across Wyoming, while the need for services is increasing. In 2021, Wyoming EMS …

A new California bill requiring speed warning systems on vehicles does not require data to be stored. Privacy issues would remain in the hands of car manufacturers. (Rawintanpin/Adobe Stock)

Newsom urged to sign bill to require speeding alert systems on cars

Groups fighting for safer roads are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill requiring new vehicles to have a speed-monitoring system to warn drivers …

Bozeman's current Affordable Housing Ordinance was adopted in 2022 to provide incentives encouraging developers to build affordable housing in exchange for permissions to build outside the zoning code, a type of density bonus, according to Forward Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Confronting Bozeman's affordable housing shortage

An advocacy group in Bozeman is calling on young people and low-income renters to take on the city's notorious housing crunch. More than half of the …

Colorado is investing in key infrastructure to power and maintain electric vehicles, including connecting new solar canopies to the electric grid, and adding more charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

The Colorado Department of Transportation is investing nearly $32 million to help local governments and other stakeholders transition to electric vehi…

The Washington State Department of Commerce expected to fund at least 6,500 rebates for EVs through June 2025 with its new program. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Demand high for WA EV incentive program

Washingtonians want to drive electric vehicles and a new rebate program from the state is providing proof. Earlier this month, the Washington State …

The Baltimore Tree Trust has planted nearly 17,000 trees around the city since 2008. (Andrew Kazmierski / Adobe Stock)

Community works to combat Baltimore heat island

With Baltimore City seeing record heat this summer, local groups are working to combat the effect of the city's urban heat island. Where …

Despite segregation, Howard Street, once Akron's thriving music hub known as

Akron to honor role in jazz from past to present

By Rose Vance-Grom for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Col…

A new transportation tool will help people find ride options in Seattle and surrounding areas. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Fed grant supports transportation planning tool in WA

A grant from the federal government is helping improve transportation planning options in the Puget Sound region. The nonprofit Hopelink received a $…

Data centers could need about 9% of the nation's electricity generation by 2030, about double what the sector consumes today. (Production Perig/Adobe Stock)

Federal dollars provide boost to VA’s 'Data Center Alley'

The Biden administration is enhancing the nation's power grid by funding several storage, resilience and transmission projects. The money will …

The Duncomb Bridge is one of 75 structures on the 25-mile-long Bronx River Greenway, which winds through most of the borough. (Bronx River Alliance)

EPA grants $1 million to South Bronx groups for climate justice, resiliency

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described a different EPA grant. The grant amount and purpose have been corrected here…

Tempe mayor: Harris-Walz rally 'electric.' What could it mean for AZ?

Newly released polling shows Vice President Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead or is tied with former President Donald Trump in six of the seven battle…

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency, Chicago and Cook County produce the most total emissions. (Adobe Stock)

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help. Under the Biden Administration's pollution reduction plan, the U.S…

According to the Center for American Progress, economists predicted the Inflation Reduction Act will generate $178 billion in clean energy transportation investments. (Adobe Stock)

GA leaders celebrate impact of IRA on clean energy, environmental justice

Thursday marks the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and Georgia leaders with Elected Officials to Protect America are reflecting on…

A yurt Airbnb rental in Berea, Ky. owned by HomeGrown HideAways. (Facebook/HomeGrown HideAways)<br />

As KY short-term rentals thrive, housing affordability concerns persist

Eastern Kentucky communities are grappling with a ballooning short-term rental market. This year, the town of Stanton in the Red River Gorge was …

Algae blooms can clog up sewage and drinking water systems, create foul odors and hurt wildlife. (Rospoint/Adobe Stock)

Climate change is making harmful algae bloom events more frequent, experts say

By Aman Azhar for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

According to the Illinois State Water Survey, extreme rainfall and floods can adversely affect drinking water and wastewater systems, and cause foodborne diseases from sewage and population displacement. (Adobe Stock)

Excessive IL rains stir conversation on preparedness

Illinois generally sees its hottest and wettest months during the summer, and climate change is making them more intense. The University of …

The Washington County Water Conservancy District in Utah pays property owners a rebate of $2 for each square foot of grass up to 5,000 square feet, and $1 per square foot for more than 5,000 square feet that are removed and replaced with water-efficient landscaping. (Adobe Stock)

One Utah county looks to buy lawns to save water, residents' money

By Morgan Sjogren for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Clean energy will be essential to improving air quality and health, reducing the state's carbon<br />footprint, and fighting climate change, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental<br />Protection. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)<br />

Western PA leads the charge in 'green economy'

Pittsburgh is emerging as a leader in innovative solutions like electric vehicles and clean energy to combat the climate crisis. The group Elected …

Crews broke ground on the I-69 extension in 2008 in southwestern Indiana, but the dream of an interstate connecting Evansville to Indianapolis spanned decades. (Adobe Stock)

Historic connection: I-69 links Indianapolis and Evansville

Half a century after the goal was first conceived, Indianapolis and Evansville are now officially connected via an interstate highway. The I-69 and …

A proposed transportation project would build a four-lane highway through the adjacent towns of Thomas and Davis, W.Va. (West Virginia Highlands Conservancy)

WV small business owners push for northern 'Corridor H' route

Concerns about environmental and economic disruption by the proposed "Corridor H" four-lane highway project have led dozens of small businesses in two…

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $1.2 billion to Pennsylvania for expanding reliable high-speed internet access statewide. (WavebreakMediaMicro)

PA mayor puts bipartisan infrastructure law funding to work

A Pennsylvania city is using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase safety, prevent crime, improve housing and more. Matt Tuerk…

Some 55% of Utah's municipal officials say they see community opposition as one of the top obstacles to increasing the amount of affordable housing in their area. (Aisyaqilumar/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report outlines 'perceived barriers' to UT affordable housing

The Utah Foundation polled municipal officials across the state to gain their insights into affordable housing. The report found many officials feel …

AARP's Livable Communities initiative aims to provide safe and walkable streets, age-friendly housing and transportation options, access to needed services and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline near for AARP Colorado 2024 Planning Academy

AARP Colorado is encouraging residents, including those age 50 and older, to sign up for its free 2024 Planning Academy. Marissa Volpe, associate …

As of 2022, West Marion had a population of about 916, according to DataUSA. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Local investment empowers rural NC communities

Rural areas often lack essential resources but one North Carolina community is proving how local action and investment can make a difference…

The Indiana Women's Prison was relocated to the west side of Indianapolis in 2009. (Adobe Stock)

City urged to take over neglected Indiana prison site

By Darian Benson for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

The Sea Change, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, took its first trip on July 19. (Pacific Environment)

Revolutionary WA-built hydrogen ferry could jumpstart zero-emission vessels back home

A hydrogen-powered ferry built in Washington state is operating in San Francisco Bay. Clean energy advocates are hoping it spurs action closer to …

In Boston, African Americans represent 24% of the population but account for only 12% to 14% of the workforce on large construction projects, according to a report from Climate Jobs Massachusetts. (Adobe Stock)

MA labor groups tackle climate crisis, income inequality

Massachusetts labor leaders say the state can meet its ambitious climate goals while creating quality jobs in communities facing the greatest threats …

The latest project for Rhonda and Kim Theus,

Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community

By Randiah Camille Green for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News …

Many Fargo residents want to stay in their communities but are struggling to maintain their properties as they age. (FiledIMAGE/Adobe Stock)

ND seeks better housing for older population

A new design competition is looking to find better housing for Fargo's aging population. Like many other states, North Dakota has a growing number …

Although the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, it created new opportunities through remote work. (Adobe Stock)

34 Years of the ADA

New York disability-rights advocates are celebrating the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 1990 …

Most of the buses in Minnesota's rural transportation system are ADA-compliant and equipped with wheelchair lifts for passengers with disabilities. (Arrowhead Transit)

Rural MN communities gain expanded public transportation options

Traveling around rural Minnesota can be difficult but in more than half the state, nonprofit transit systems are helping people get where they need …

New EPA rules on tailpipe pollution are expected to lead to $62 billion in reduced annual fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs for drivers. (Adobe Stock)

EPA clean-car standards projected to bring $100B annual benefits

Clean-air advocates in Colorado are celebrating new EPA standards, which they believe can play a major role in reducing air pollution impacting …

Inflation Reduction Act investments of $500 million will go toward converting a General Motors plant in Lansing to produce electric vehicles. Nearly $158 million will go to a facility in Marysville. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

EV industry praises federal investments in Michigan

Michigan's electric vehicle industry is praising the Biden administration for its latest investments in EV manufacturing and innovation. About $650 …

Maryland has more than 750,000 renter households, representing 33% of all households in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD 'housing wage' 9th highest in U.S.

With rising housing costs an ongoing issue, a new report shows how fast rents have increased in Maryland and nationwide. The National Low Income …

At least 36% of U.S. bridges need repair, including more than 76,000 in need of replacement, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA secures $1 billion in federal funds for Cape Cod bridges

Massachusetts will receive close to $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod bridges. Lawmakers said it is the largest single bridge …

U.S. vehicle manufacturing has been steadily declining since the 1970s, according to a report by the advocacy group All American. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Toledo plant to manufacture EVs with federal funding

Ohio will receive more than $32 million in federal funding to help revive auto manufacturing and jobs in the state, specifically electric vehicle …

The Port of Baltimore Federal Channel was fully reopened when restored to its original operational dimensions of 700 feet wide by 50 feet deep on June 10. (Adobe Stock)

Senate committee hears testimony on Key Bridge response

Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee heard testimony on the state and federal response to the collapse of the Key Bridge…

In no state, county or metropolitan area in the United States can a worker earning the federal or prevailing state or local minimum wage afford a modest rental home at fair market rent by working a standard 40-hour work week, statistics show. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado housing costs 8th least affordable in nation

Colorado remains the eighth-least affordable state in the nation for housing, according to a new report from the National Low Income Housing …

Federal dollars are funding transportation improvements across California, including upgrades to the SPRINTER hybrid rail line between Palomar College and Escondido. (Xnatedawgx/Wikimedia Commons)

CA transport projects get millions from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Federal dollars are pouring into California transportation projects as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Federal Transit …

Key improvements made as a part of the Selma 14 Project for riverbank stabilization include re-grading the riverbank, installing articulated concrete matting and adding protective stone elements to prevent erosion and stabilize the slope. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

Selma announces infrastructure milestone, river walk plans progress

Alabama officials have announced critical infrastructure improvements in Selma this week, paving the way for a new river walk. The "Selma 14 …

A New York Times investigation finds congestion pricing would have made $200,000 for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in one hour. (Adobe Stock)

Congestion pricing pause costs NY jobs, economic opportunities

New York is seeing ripple effects from Gov. Kathy Hochul pausing "congestion pricing." The Metropolitan Transit Authority halted numerous capital …

The Federal Transit Administration's Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program has supported access to health with $24 million over five years, according to the agency. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal grant will upgrade SD rural transit system

The Biden administration announced nearly $8 million in grants to improve public transportation, including a large and rural system in South Dakota…

The Wind River Canyon corridor is part of U.S. Route 20, the longest highway in the country, which spans 2,542 miles from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon, according to the Federal Highway Administration. (Rita Robinson/Adobe Stock)

WYDOT gets grant for Wind River Canyon corridor study

Wyoming's Wind River Canyon corridor turns 100 years old this year, and federal grant money will soon support a study on potential improvements…

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a five-year policy meant to spur a range of public works projects around the country, including in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Grant bootcamp: Communities navigate maze of federal infrastructure aid

Federal officials have opened up a new round of funding under one of the many grant programs tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As the …

In North Dakota and elsewhere, various nonprofits are trying to take block parties and similar events to another level with activities that emphasize physical movement and other forms of engagement, so that all community members have access to a healthier lifestyle. (Adobe Stock)

Not your average block party: ND project aims to inspire 'active' city planning

Community developers are tasked with balancing infrastructure needs - like roads, with amenities for the public to enjoy. Organizers behind an …

Minnesota officials say a new roofing standard, created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, has shown to reduce the costs of hail and wind-related damages by up to 60%. The standard is now being used for home resiliency programs. (Adobe Stock)

Roof repair grants could keep MN insurance claims from spiraling out of control

Minnesota is part of a patchwork of states trying to reimagine storm preparedness, by making roofs on homes stronger - before winds and hail fueled …

Since 2018, AARP Connecticut's Livable Communities grant program has funded 38 projects across the state. (Adobe Stock)

AARP seeks ideas to make CT communities more 'livable'

AARP Connecticut is accepting applications for grants for community improvement projects across the state. The "Livable Communities" program awards …

Kitsap Transit's new maintenance facility will mean buses will travel shorter distances for tune-ups. (Bluedisk/Wikimedia Commons)

$90 million in federal infrastructure funding headed to WA

Washington state is receiving nearly $90 million in federal infrastructure funding, from the Biden Administration. The funds were distributed by the …

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Urban Planning and Transportation