Republican leaders have yet to figure out when to proceed with legislation that would modernize freight corridors, structurally deficient bridges and old pipelines, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), policy chairman for the party in the Senate, told reporters on Jan. 25.
January 30, 2017GovernmentBusiness
Eno Center President: States ‘Not Waiting for Washington to Act’ on Infrastructure
States will continue to adopt funding programs meant to pay for big-ticket infrastructure projects amid federal inaction on a long-term plan, the chief of the Eno Center for Transportation said Jan. 27.
January 27, 2017BusinessLogisticsGovernment
Canadian Pacific's Wallace Takes Leave, Could Join Harrison Atop CSX
Mark Wallace, chief of staff at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd., was put on a paid leave of absence on Jan. 27, prompting more speculation that Wallace and outgoing CEO Hunter Harrison will attempt to take over the reins at rival railroad CSX Corp. through private investor Paul Hilal of Mantle Ridge.
January 27, 2017Government
Ontario International Airport Courts Chinese Versions of FedEx, UPS
Top executives at Ontario International Airport on Jan. 26 outlined their efforts to attract major Chinese courier companies to use ONT as the major gateway and hub to the U.S. and Latin American marketplaces, similar to UPS Inc. and FedEx Corp.’s domestic e-commerce operations with Amazon.
January 27, 2017Government
US Economic Growth Cools on Biggest Trade Drag Since 2010
U.S. economic growth slowed last quarter more than forecast on the biggest drag from trade in six years and more moderate consumer spending. However, business investment picked up, which may be a harbinger for faster expansion in 2017.
January 27, 2017BusinessGovernmentLogistics
Consumer Sentiment Increased in January to 13-Year High
Consumer confidence rose in January to a 13-year high, reflecting ongoing optimism about post-election fiscal policies and their impact on economic growth.
January 27, 2017GovernmentBusiness
To Toll or Not to Toll Is Question for Trump Infrastructure Plan
The Brent Spence Bridge between Ohio and Kentucky carries twice as much traffic as it was built to handle — it’s 54 years old and functionally obsolete.
January 27, 2017GovernmentBusiness
Funded Miami Interstate Project Makes Trump’s Infrastructure List
A preliminary list of 50 public construction projects that the Trump administration is considering including in a promised initiative to renew the country’s deteriorating infrastructure has just one Florida project on it, but that job — the rebuilding of Interstate 395 in downtown Miami — is already budgeted and moving rapidly forward.
January 27, 2017Government
Former Transportation Chief James Burnley Foresees Funding to Dominate Early DOT Agenda
WASHINGTON — Crafting a meaningful funding proposal for the network of roads, pipelines and freight corridors is likely to consume the first few weeks of Elaine Chao’s tenure as secretary of transportation, former Secretary James Burnley said Jan. 26.
January 26, 2017Government
Critical Wisconsin DOT Audit Finds Highway Project Costs Underestimated by $3 Billion
A new state audit says the Wisconsin Department of Transportation dramatically underestimated the cost of major highway projects by failing to account for inflation, with costs on 16 major projects ballooning by more than $3 billion since lawmakers approved them.
January 26, 2017