Government
Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.
Kansas Leaders Issue Funds for 30 Projects Through Cost Share Program
Kansas officials announced May 26 that $42 million has been invested for transportation projects through the Cost Share Program.
FHWA Issues $5.6 Million to States for Innovation Projects
FHWA announced May 26 that $5.6 million had been distributed in Accelerated Innovation Deployment Demonstration program grants.
Hudson River Rail Tunnel Gets Environmental OK
Amtrak’s proposed $11.6 billion passenger rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey received long-delayed environmental clearance from U.S. officials, the project’s biggest step forward in years. The decision is crucial to start the next phase of work and secure billions of federal dollars for what’s considered one of the most vital U.S. infrastructure needs.
Consumers Boosted Spending by Just 0.5% in April
WASHINGTON — Americans increased their spending by a slight 0.5% in April, a slowdown after a massive gain in March that had been powered by the distribution of billions of dollars in individual stimulus checks.
Mississippi Transportation Commission Awards 14 Contracts
The Mississippi Transportation Commission awarded 14 contracts for infrastructure projects at its recent meeting.
Carriers Continue to Raise Wages Amid Driver Shortage
Trucking companies are continuing to increase driver pay as labor capacity remains a challenge amid strong demand.
Biden to Meet GOP Next Week on Infrastructure After Latest Offer
President Joe Biden plans to meet with Republicans next week after a group of GOP senators pitched a fresh offer on a major new infrastructure plan that still left them over $1 trillion short of the White House’s latest proposal.
Commerce Secretary Promotes Climate Resilience, Supply Chains at Senate Hearing
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo touted comprehensive climate change policy proposals President Joe Biden’s administration aims to tackle over the coming years.
GOP Offers $928B on Infrastructure, Funded With COVID Aid
Republican senators outlined a $928 billion infrastructure proposal May 27 that would tap unused coronavirus aid, a counteroffer to President Joe Biden’s more sweeping plan as the two sides struggle to negotiate a bipartisan compromise and remain far apart on how to pay for the massive spending.
US Jobless Claims Fall Again to New Pandemic Low
Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell for a fourth consecutive week as more Americans get vaccinated and businesses reopen to eager customers.