Urban Planning/Transportation / Public News Service

Montana's Department of Justice opened 21 human trafficking investigations in 2024, which will be submitted for prosecution, according to the department. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Energy industry new focus for human trafficking education

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and educators are training workers in key industries to recognize and report the crime…

Massachusetts is benefiting from an additional $102 million in federal transportation funds, including roughly $400,000 for the city of Revere to create multiuse paths, connecting residents to local educational and workforce development opportunities. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Federal funds boost climate-focused MA transportation projects

Massachusetts will benefit from more than $100 million in new federal funding for various transportation projects. Neighborhoods divided by busy …

AARP Nebraska's annual Community Challenge grants have funded projects ranging from community paths to traffic-calming installations. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Nebraska opens applications for Community Challenge grants

Many towns and nonprofit groups probably have ideas about how to improve their communities and now, there is a chance to get funding for projects…

Students at the University of Nebraska are designing and constructing small, single-family homes to be erected on vacant lots in Omaha for seniors. Omaha's zoning laws restrict multifamily housing on 80% of currently vacant lots. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska university students address affordable housing shortage

Some University of Nebraska students are gaining career skills as they work to address the state's affordable housing shortage by making small…

Colorado lawmakers are hoping better coordination between state agencies, local governments and nonprofits can prevent and reduce homelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

The number of Colorado families experiencing homelessness rose by 134%, from 3,600 in 2023 to more than 8,500 families in 2024, according to new …

In 2015, New York passed a bill implementing reforms to the Port Authority. But because it is a dual state agency, and the bill did not pass in New Jersey, it never went into effect. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ bill reforming Port Authority may come back before lawmakers

A bill reforming the New York-New Jersey Port Authority is coming back before New York's Legislature. The reforms it would implement date back to …

Researchers say most newer models of electric vehicles are fitted with heat pumps, which can add roughly 10% extra range to cars during freezing conditions. (Adobe Stock)

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

By Kristoffer Tigue for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Outdoor recreation accounted for 5 million jobs in 2023. (Ray Redstone/Adobe Stock)

As outdoor recreation keeps fueling Arizona GDP, 'EXPLORE Act' could help

Arizona, like other western states, could see outdoor recreation opportunities increase under the EXPLORE Act - which was recently EXPLORE Act…

Nationally, electric vehicles represented 8% of the market share in 2023, an increase from 1.5% in 2019. (ARThitecture/Adobe Stock)

MI's $1B EV push falls short on jobs; experts urge patience

Michigan has poured $1 billion into electric-vehicle battery projects, with another billion pledged, but delays have stalled hiring for most of the 11…

Outdoor recreation supported 5 million jobs in 2023, or 3.1% of employment, according to an analysis from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. (Westley/Adobe Stock)<br />

Outdoor recreation continues to fuel GDP

A bill passed by Congress could expand opportunities for recreation on public lands in places like Montana. The EXPLORE Act, presented to President …

Alabama's maternal mortality rate is 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than double the national average of 17.4. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, the nonprofit advocacy group Alabama Arise said it plans to take aim at poverty and systemic …

Since the passage of The Clean Energy Plan in 2022, Utah has seen more than 3,800 new jobs across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah lags on conservation policy

Among Western states, Utah could be doing more to support conservation policy, according to a new report by the Center for Western Priorities…

An Indianapolic Public Schools report indicates transportation is provided for all elementary, middle and high school students who live between one and one and a half miles from their assigned school. (Adobe Stock)

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

School bus transportation challenges are impacting one central Indiana community. Long ride times are more than an inconvenience, according to an …

75% of Nevadans think more emphasis should be placed on conserving wildlife migration routes than on new developments, according to Colorado College's State of the Rockies Project. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV emerges as conservation leader among Western states

Nevada scored high for its well-funded conservation programs and for the state's commitment to public land protections. A new report by The Center …

Ithaca, New York, is the first city in the world to commit to electrifying all its buildings. The city is aiming to accomplish the goal by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings

New York lawmakers are focusing on electrifying municipal buildings. Buildings statewide make up 32% of New York's greenhouse gas emissions and …

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved two clean-air waivers for California, but six more are still pending. (D. Jakli/Adobe Stock)

EPA allows CA to implement strict clean-car rules

Groups that fight for environmental justice are praising the Biden administration's decision to grant California a waiver so it can implement clean-ca…

California state energy goals include reaching 100% clean energy by 2045. (Anchalee/Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups call for LA County power plant closure

Environmental groups are calling for the immediate closure of Los Angeles County's Walnut Creek Energy Park, because of potentially dangerous levels …

Upgrades funded by a state program will improve emergency communications across east Texas. (Adobe Stock)

East TX communities granted money for emergency upgrades

Four east Texas communities will share more than $1 million in grant money to upgrade their radio infrastructure systems. The grants are funded by …

Along with a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Port Authority is looking to reduce direct emissions 50% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NY, NJ ports receive federal grants for clean energy transition

The Port of New York and New Jersey is receiving funding to cut emissions. It's part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program…

According to the Department of Energy, all-electric vehicles are shown to be about 4.4 times more efficient than gas-powered cars. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer experiences with electric vehicles on upswing

A leading consumer publication says electric vehicles are gaining ground on gas-powered cars when it comes to feelings about reliability. However…

During the June floods in eastern South Dakota this year, the river level at the Big Sioux gauge hit 44.98 feet, breaking the previous record high by 7.28 feet, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. (Adobe Stock)

Weak protections for SD wetlands could lead to more flood damage

Wetlands protect against floods, like those some in eastern South Dakota experienced this June and researchers warned the growing presence of factory …

Roughly half of Maine's greenhouse-gas emissions come from the transportation sector. It is estimated the state will need more than 200,000 light-duty EVs on the road to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mainers urged to nab clean energy rebates before they’re gone

Mainers are encouraged to take advantage of clean energy rebates and tax credits before they are gone. The Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives …

Because Canton, Michigan, is just 31 miles from Detroit (above), it has become an appealing destination for growth as the city expanded, attracting residents and businesses seeking space beyond Detroit's urban center. (SNEHIT PHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Detroit suburb revitalized by federal funds

A Detroit suburb is undergoing a transformation with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Canton Charter …

Colorado received $59 million in federal bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars to help build wildlife crossings along U.S. Highway 160 in La Plata County and $22 million for an overpass on Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs. (Adobe Stock) Colorado received $59 million federal bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars to help build wildlife crossings along Highway 160 in La Plata County, and $22 million for an overpass on I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs. (Adobe Stock)

Pronghorn deaths in Eastern Colorado a warning to motorists

Pronghorn, which can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour, are the second-fastest mammal on earth but their speed is no match for cars and trucks…

Snow-dependent Summit County, which boasts four world-class ski resorts, is working to remain economically viable in a warming climate. (Adobe Stock)

Summit County aims to remain economically viable in warming climate

A county high in the Colorado Rockies is working to include its underserved residents in plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver …

Deer-vehicle collisions tend to rise during the fall and winter months when deer are more active due to mating season and shorter days. (Lee/Adobe Stock)

Deer on the move: Holiday driving tips for MO

This Thanksgiving, AAA reported nearly 72 million people are expected to travel by car, setting a record. The Missouri Highway Patrol is warning …

The Illinois International Port District's top imports are sand and gravel, petroleum and metal products. (Adobe Stock)

EPA grants to fund IL port energy projects

Illinois, like many states, continues to seek innovative solutions for cleaner air. The Biden administration recently selected the Illinois …

In 2022, flash floods hit the hills of eastern Kentucky, leaving in their wake millions of dollars of devastation. (Adobe Stock)

Study looks at what causes flash floods in the Appalachian mountains

By Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection for the Daily Yonder-Public News Service Collaborat…

Meadville's Climate Action Plan includes a food project to help local vendors and farmers increase the affordable fresh produce they offer. And a farming incubator will allow residents access to larger plots of land and agricultural training. (Don/Adobed Stock)

Funding boosts 'green' projects in Meadville, PA

A small rural town in northwest Pennsylvania is using a combination of state and federal funds to implement "green" projects as part of its Climate Ac…

Researchers say when a larger group of people are walking together, the risk of being hit by a car is generally lower. (Viam/Adobe Stock - AI enhanced)

NM researcher studies why pedestrian, bicyclist deaths are on the rise

The number of pedestrians and bicyclists killed on roadways in the U.S. has nearly doubled in the past 12 years and a New Mexico researcher wants to …

Easy Estates, put together by NDSU architectural student Noah Boen, was one of the winning designs in a North Dakota competition to spur more age-friendly housing. An AARP survey found 55% of state residents prioritize living independently as they age if they were to consider moving out of their current residence. (Photo courtesy AARP)

ND project lays out new 'age-friendly' housing vision

Recent surveys show a majority of North Dakotans want housing that allows them to live independently as they age. But there aren't a lot of suitable …

More than 700,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District daily. (Adobe Stock)

NYC congestion pricing revived with some alterations

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has revived congestion pricing after a five-month pause. The program's biggest change is a $9 toll, down from $15 but by 2…

A report from the Maryland Public Interest Research Group anticipates future emissions reductions will come from the transportation and industrial sectors. (Adobe Stock / AI-generated)

Report: MD leads nation in greenhouse gas reduction

New research finds Maryland leading the nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Protection Agency data show between 2005 and 2022…

The federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program has issued almost $40 million in grants for repairs and improvements to Indiana rail lines. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Infrastructure Act grants aimed at Indiana regional rail improvements

A federal program for infrastructure improvements has awarded Indiana rail lines almost $40 million in grants for major rail projects across the state…

Illinois companies will expand a portion of track through the Springfield area to provide a higher speed intercity passenger rail connection for Amtrak's service between Chicago and St. Louis. (Adobe Stock)

Springfield gets federal grant to complete local, regional rail improvements

Construction is scheduled to begin early next year on improvements to railroad infrastructure in and around Illinois' capital city. Springfield has …

Wisconsin will receive $78 million over five years from the federal government to expand electric vehicle improvements. It plans to have all new charging stations up and running by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

Electric vehicles have seen a nationwide uptick, yet Wisconsin lags behind - with EVs making up only about 1% of all cars on the road. …

In Connecticut, 818,000 electric vehicles are registered per 100,000 people. Nationally, between 2020 and 2023, EV sales grew from 300,000 to 1.6 million. (Adobe Stock)

Misconceptions keep CT drivers from getting EVs

Misinformation about electric vehicles is keeping more of them from being on Connecticut roads. Owners of the state's more than 31,000 registered …

In North Carolina, New Markets Tax Credits administered by Self-Help Ventures Fund have transformed communities through projects like Durham's American Tobacco Campus, Greensboro's Revolution Mill and the Renaissance Shops at Phillips Avenue. (Adobe Stock)

Community projects across NC to be fueled by new access to federal support

Health care providers and schools across North Carolina could soon benefit from tax credits to help projects get off the ground and serve thousands of…

Between 2022 and 2023, Missouri experienced a 12% increase in overall homelessness and a 24% rise in unsheltered homelessness. (FollowTheFlow/Adobe Stock)

MO mayor, once homeless, now leads fight for homeless

Once homeless and suffering from addictions himself, Joplin's mayor now leads a crusade to help others overcome the same hardships. About 53,000 …

Sioux Falls and Pierre both scored well on AARP's 2024 Livability Index, with particularly high rankings on the

Sioux Falls, Pierre rank high in the nation for 'livability'

Two South Dakota cities scored well this year on a national ranking of livable communities. In AARP's 2024 Livability Index, Pierre ranked 15th in …

There are 16 million vacant homes across the U.S., or 28 vacant homes for every unhoused person. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado’s housing crisis linked to billionaire investors

Denver's homeless population hit an all-time high in 2024 but there is actually no shortage of available housing units, according to a new report…

The City of Dearborn has partnered with others in Wayne County to apply for and implement several federal programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Branden/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor prioritizes health, climate with 'health-in-all-policies' plan

The mayor of Dearborn has adopted a "health-in-all-policies" approach, a pledge to prioritize health, environmental justice and climate action in …

UT electric provider taps into potential of 'virtual' power plants

By Robert Zullo for the Utah News Dispatch part of States Newsroom.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solut…

A New York State Comptroller report found New York City had the highest rental cost burden in the state between 2016 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

NYC legislation gives communities more control over housing

A package of New York City bills can help preserve affordable housing. The Community Land Act creates more pathways for communities to purchase and …

Pennsylvania has been allocated $1.6 billion to expand high-speed internet access statewide. The investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has already led to savings for more than 764,000 Pennsylvania households on their monthly internet bills. (Zimmytws/Adobe)

PA Lehigh Valley economic stability at risk with Project 2025 proposals

Ahead of tomorrow's presidential election, a nonprofit is raising concerns Project 2025 and its proposed rollback of federal aid could disrupt …

A 2023 Siena College poll showed 77% of New York State residents feel the lack of affordable housing is a major problem. (Adobe Stock)

Corporate landlords a big part of NY affordable housing crisis

New York's affordable housing crisis is being made worse by corporate landlords, according to groups trying to reform the system. The state …

The State of Colorado supported Solid Power's early growth with an Advanced Industries Accelerator grant in 2014, which supports the development of early-stage technologies. (Adobe Stock)

$50 million Biden IRA funding goes to Thornton-based EV battery maker

The Biden Administration is investing $50 million from the Inflation Reduction Act in Colorado to produce more batteries to power electric vehicles…

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Urban Planning and Transportation