Stateline Headlines

Slow down on changing the speed limits

Assembly passes drunken driving bills

Panel approves drunken driving bill

Drunken Driving Plea Tarnishes Wisconsin Attorney General

Wisconsin's first female attorney general is fighting for her political life after an arrest for drunken driving led not only to her embarrassment but also to the discovery she was misusing a state-owned car to commute to work. Democrat Peg Lautenschlager reimbursed taxpayers, paid fines and now gets rides to work because she lost her driver's license. She is trying to put the controversies behind her and says she has no plans to step down.

High-Speed Rail Faces High-Speed Demise in Midwest

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans who won the governorships of Ohio and Wisconsin last week are leaving no doubt that they intend to kill high-speed rail projects that have already been pledged billions in federal stimulus dollars.

The Not-So-Fast Track for High-Speed Rail

The last time intercity passenger trains served Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, students at the University of Wisconsin campus there were protesting the Vietnam War. The trains stopped running when Amtrak took over passenger service around the country in 1971. But last month, the federal government announced it would give the state $810 million in stimulus money to return passenger trains to Wisconsin's second-biggest city for the first time in more than four decades.The $8 billion in federal stimulus money billed as "high-speed rail" funding that will pay for the Wisconsin improvements is going to 31 states to improve service on trains of all speeds. But as even the straightforward case of Wisconsin shows, the path for states to actually build high-speed rail promises to be long, costly and, in some cases, politically contentious.

Republicans Fight Wisconsin High-Speed Rail

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin has long been seen as a model state for construction of a regional rapid rail system in the Midwest. The Obama administration has favored the idea with generous subsidies. But two of the three major contenders for Wisconsin's governorship don't want any part of it.

Road Funding a Big Issue in Contest for Governor of West Virginia

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Highways emerge as a crucial topic in West Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial primary … Atlanta area officials have a long wish list of transit projects … Kansas and Texas move forward with plans for higher speed limits, and other transportation news.

Washington passes tougher law against drunken boating

Extending SR 167, 509 questioned

Washington Senate committee approves tougher impaired driving law

Simple Ideas Improve Transportation Safety

A new study finds wide variation in how well states are keeping track of their transportation performance. Safety is the area in which they do the best job.

In Seattle, a Tunnel Plan Sits in the Big Dig's Long Shadow

SEATTLE - As Washington State prepares to replace an elevated highway with an underground one, fear of cost overruns is widespread.

Region to get nearly $1 billion for transportation projects

McDonnell to sign transportation bill today

Road-funding bill runs behind GOP Senate race

VDOT to award $355 million contract to operate transportation centers

Virginia roads may be Net beneficiary of online sales tax measure

Virginia Car Tax Cuts: County-By-County Impact

Click here to see a list of Virginia car taxes by county or city.

Virginia Rural Areas Slighted By Car Tax Relief

When it comes to phasing out the state's car tax, most Virginians would say don't look a gift horse in the mouth. But some legislators, especially from rural areas, are ready to give that horse a swift kick.

'Smart Road' Takes High Tech Step Toward Traffic Solutions

In the shadow of Virginia Tech University in the southwestern part of the Old Dominion, a new sensor-studded stretch of blacktop is being developed that could transform how future highways and motor vehicles are built. It's Virginia's "Smart Road" -- a $33 million project that will eventually serve as a combined highway laboratory and public connector road.

Bob McDonnell Breaks Virginia's Transportation Gridlock

The governor's three-year, $3 billion plan relies heavily on borrowing to fund big transportation projects. The initiative does not go far enough for many transportation advocates, but it passed the General Assembly with little of the controversy that embroiled the efforts of McDonnell's predecessors to relieve congestion.

Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address (Gov. Tim Kaine)

Outgoing Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) offered a mixed assessment of his four years, saying the state has largely endured the recession but still faces huge challenges in transportation and higher education.

Feds Short of Disaster Funds to Rebuild Roads

A record-setting year of disasters took its toll on the nation's roads and bridges, and the federal fund to help states rebuild them has been tapped out.

West Davis Corridor project unveiled amid criticism

New law banning teen drivers from cellphones starts Tuesday

UTA board: Is transit police just well-armed customer service?

UTA may look at other models for transit police

Deputy director promoted to new UDOT chief

WORTH NOTING: 'Gas Pain' Troubles for Utah Governor

Utah's chief executive gives reporters too much information. An influential Idaho politician endorses two legislative candidates - for the same House seat. And Arkansas tourism officials are taking "Clinton Country" to the next level. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Utah Lawmakers Could Override Transportation Veto

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Utah's governor faces a rare veto override as lawmakers try to designate sales tax money for transportation … New Jersey won't use a private firm to collect tolls after all … A key U.S. senator suggests states will have to raise gas taxes-not depend on the feds-for new revenue, and other transportation news.

Utah Governor Fumes as Arizona Considers New Highway Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Arizona would like to make a toll road out of a remote 29-mile stretch of interstate highway between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Utah Governor Gary Herbert has blasted the scheme.

New camo license plates should stand out on Texas roads

Railroad reform stalled

Hope remains for partial victory on road cash

Capitol quest for road cash appears dead

In Texas House, a symbolic plea for road funding

Bill to increase vehicle registration fee dies in House

Day of reckoning on Texas highways

Senate bill would do away with vehicle inspection stickers

Texas Governor Rejects Ban on Texting While Driving

TODAY'S TAKE: Texting while driving is "reckless and irresponsible," but it should not be banned by the government, Texas Governor Rick Perry said in vetoing a measure that 33 other states have adopted.

Tracking the Recession: A Pier to Nowhere

The economic stimulus package includes about $30 billion for "shovel-ready" projects, but what does that mean? Tennessee has an answer.

State budget plan would allow ads on school activity buses

SC Senate moves to suspend eye-exam rule for drivers

Senate budget plan could include $15M for buses

Flashing yellow arrows coming to SC intersections

South Carolina Struggles to Pay Its Road Bills

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: An influx of cash from the federal government helped South Carolina start to pay its road construction bills on time again. But the money shortage has forced the state to put off projects, and legislators want to find out more.

RI House approves making seat belt law permanent

States Push to Convert Interstate Highways into Toll Roads

Interstates need money for repairs, and charging toll fees can bring in a lot of it. But the federal government is cool to the idea.

Rhode Island Considers New Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Governor Lincoln Chafee looks at raising tolls to reduce a backlog of road repairs … The speaker of the Arkansas House wants to raise the diesel tax and sales tax to pay for better highways… A push for uniform rules for teen drivers, and other transportation news

State bridges better, but still need work

Proposal to lower DUI limit is facing a long road

Could lower DUI standards be decades away in Pa., N.J.?

Tanker explosion's price tag is a wake-up call on transportation funding

First Pa. turnpike defendant up will fight charges

Pa. legislation could infl8 vanity plate cost

Chinese investors to fund turnpike-I-95 connection

Want to build jobs in Pennsylvania, Gov. Corbett? Build and repair roads and bridges

Senate Transportation Committee approves $2.5 billion funding plan

Study: Why Pa. Turnpike Plan Failed

As states consider public-private partnerships to pay for transportation projects, a new report assesses Pennsylvania's unsuccessful plan to lease its turnpike to a private operator.

Transportation Woes Prompt Pennsylvania Session

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania's aging infrastructure has some dubious claims to fame. The state has 7,000 miles of roads that need to be fixed, along with 5,600 structurally deficient bridges - easily the most in the nation. Meanwhile, starting today (May 4), legislators will meet in a special session to address a $472 million shortfall in transportation funding caused by the federal government's refusal last month to allow the state to place tolls on Interstate 80. Everything from a higher gas tax to new public-private partnerships is on the table.

Pennsylvania Experts Call for $2.5 Billion in New Revenue

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A group of 40 specialists picked by Governor Tom Corbett recommended a wide range of new taxes and fees to improve Pennsylvania's crumbling transportation network. But they say even their $2.5-billion plan might not be enough.

Pennsylvania Struggles to Keep Up With Bridge Repairs

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania has quadrupled the money it spends on repairing structurally deficient bridges, but still leads the nation in the percentage of its bridges that need repair, a new report finds.

Digital proof of motor insurance bill headed to Gov. John Kitzhaber

Oregon Tests Novel Mileage Tax

In 1919, Oregon was the first state to tax gasoline. This fall, the state will launch the nation's first high-tech experiment to tax drivers for the miles they travel rather than the gas they buy. The program is the first step in a long-term plan to replace the state's gasoline tax, which pays for about 40 percent of Oregon's road projects.

Oregon, Washington Mull Electric Car Fees

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Northwest states look to electric car drivers for transportation money ... Missouri loosens the rules on renewable energy ... The Green Bay Packers' other big win, and other energy and environment news.

Oklahoma struggles to keep lines manageable at driver's license testing sites

Ten States Join Effort to Buy Natural Gas Vehicles

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Last fall, the governors of Oklahoma and Colorado announced a plan to get states to buy 5,000 vehicles powered by natural gas. So far, 10 states have joined the effort.

State lawmakers want to change dual license plate law for drivers

Ohio Awaits Turnpike Study

Many Ohioans are eagerly awaiting the results of a yearlong study on the future of the Ohio Turnpike, but almost everybody, it seems, assumes that the study will call for privatization of the 241-mile-long toll road.

Ohio to Charge to 'Park at the Park'

For the first time in Ohio history, visitors to state parks will soon have to pay a fee to bring their cars and trucks. The $5-a-day parking passes, which are projected to generate $3 million a year, are yet another indicator of the state's continuing budget problems.

Kasich Shows No Desire for Cincinnati Streetcar

First, the Ohio governor rejected taking federal money to pay for high-speed rail. Now, John Kasich's latest target is a streetcar proposed for Cincinnati, which local officials say is key to economic growth.

Legislator opposes I-77 tolls

Free lanes would remain in NC bill targeting I-95

NC DOT gathering ideas at hearings on I-95 expansion, tolls

End judges' license plates

Subway Riders Could Pay for New York Tax Breaks

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A deal being crafted in Albany to revamp the state's tax code could end up costing subway riders in New York City.

Motorists Face an 'Avalanche' of Higher Tolls

Toll rates are climbing on highways, bridges and tunnels across the country, but it is not just because of the economy. Many big toll hikes are helping to pay for new construction.

Toll Hike Plan Puts Heat on Cuomo and Christie

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York and Chris Christie of New Jersey both lashed out at a proposal to increase tolls on bridges and tunnels between their states. But both governors stopped short of saying they would veto the hikes.

Can Taxing Trucks by the Mile Help Save Transportation Funding?

As taxing fuel by the gallon becomes less effective, one alternative is to charge drivers by how many miles they drive. It is an idea probably too complicated right now to use for cars, but researchers are looking at using it for trucks instead.

Lawmakers Act to Preserve Endangered Night Sky

For decades, astronomers have warned that the intrusion of artificial light is threatening to wipe out a dwindling natural resource - the starry night sky. Now a growing number of city and state governments are taking up the fight to reclaim the night. For lawmakers, the issue is about energy efficiency and safety, as well as good stargazing.

Momentum Building to End Driver's Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

TODAY'S TAKE: The number of states that allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses has steadily declined in recent years. Now, political pressure is building to end the practice in New Mexico, one of the three states that still does so.

As Some States Close Highway Rest Stops, Others See Roadside Revenue

In the South and West, providing drivers a sanctuary on the Interstate costs states dollars they don't have. But many Northeastern states make lots of money by commercializing rest areas. The difference is due to an obscure federal law that critics want to change.

Driver's Licenses for Immigrants Becoming Rarer

New Mexico is one of the last remaining states to let undocumented immigrants obtain driver's licenses. In a year when state immigration policies are becoming a lighting-rod political issue, that policy may not last for much longer.

New Jersey DOT says roads will be open as safety permits

NJ Transit storm plan was sparse for Superstorm Sandy

State leaders praise approval of Bayonne Bridge-raising project

N.J. Supreme Court rules fatal crash victim's failure to wear seat belt can't excuse driver's recklessness

N.J. transit under fire of Sandy

NJ Transit's secrets

NJ Transit remains silent on how it prepared for superstorm Sandy

New Jersey Cracks Down on Drowsy Driving

New Jersey lawmakers and highway safety advocates across the country hope the states new drowsy driving legislation the first in the nation will be a wake-up call to drivers who hit the road when theyre tired and currently cause more than 100,000 accidents per year nationwide. The measure allows motorists to be charged with vehicular homicide, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

New 'Human Transporter' Getting Green Light

With a national lobbying effort clearing its path, a much-ballyhooed new "human transporter" called Segway is scooting through state legislatures, winning regulatory changes that allow it to be used on sidewalks and other pathways frequented by pedestrians.

New Jersey E-ZPass System A Financial Debacle

New Jerseys electronic toll collection system may save motorists time, money and fuel, but lawmakers and transportation authorities are learning that the E-ZPass system will not pay for itself.

Drunk Driving Tragedy Prompts 'John's Law'

At a time when the meaning of the word "hero" is often devalued by being used to describe athletes and movie stars, Ensign John R. Elliott was the real thing to everyone who knew him. The 22-year-old U.S. Naval Academy graduate, whom peers viewed as an exemplar of leadership and character, was killed last year in a collision caused by a drunk driver. But Elliot's death has led to enactment of a new law in his home state of New Jersey designed to keep alcohol -impaired motorists off the road -- and creation of a volunteer program that encourages individuals to become designated drivers.

NJ Rejects Self-Service Gas

For more than 50 years, New Jersey has banned drivers from pumping their own gas. But when Gov. Jon Corzine (D) recently suggested the state test self-service pumps, his office was flooded with complaints.

State Inspections Curtailed in New Jersey

TODAY'S TAKE: To save $17 million a year, New Jersey is no longer inspecting residents' cars for bad brakes, broken turn signals, steering problems and other mechanical failures. The state says residents can identify those problems themselves, but the move is likely to cause concern among road-safety advocates.

Christie Doubles Down on Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's decision Thursday (Oct. 7) to discontinue the largest public-transit project in the nation - a commuter rail tunnel to Manhattan that he believes the state cannot afford - is sparking a broad range of reaction. But one thing is clear: the decision is keeping the high-profile, first-year governor in the spotlight.