This report explains how congressional financial scorekeepers, when analyzing proposals that would change the amount of federal investment in areas such as basic infrastructure or education or R&D, determine their effects on the economy and on the federal budget. From the Congressional Budget Office
http://www.rita.dot.gov/utc/publications/spotlight/spotlight_2016_06
Press release about Long-Term Bridge Performance Portal, which allows members of the public to obtain information about the nation’s bridges, including age, daily average traffic volume, inspection history, and condition rating. Press release includes links for portal which requires registration and the creation of a no-cost account. From the Federal Highway Administration
http://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/Documents/Abstract_DCA15FR004.pdf
Synopsis from the final report of a widely publicized DC subway incident which resulted in the death of one person and exposure of maintenance problems plaguing the transit system. Includes findings, probable cause, and safety recommendations. From the National Transportation Safety Board
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44459.pdf
In 2015 10% of U.S. bridges were classified as structurally deficient and another 14% were functionally obsolete. This report suggests that things aren’t as bad as they seem; most of the deficient bridges are in rural, lightly-traveled areas, and bridge conditions have improved in recent years. Raises the issue of priority between bridge and roadway repairs. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
Studies the impact of placing tolls on a regional transportation system by comparing the traffic and transit conditions before and after tolling. The tolls, designed to pay for additional tunnel lanes, resulted in a 32% decrease in peak period delays at four river corridors. From the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization
https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/cea/economic-report-of-the-President/2016
Annual report on the nation’s economic status, the domestic and international economic policies of the current administration, and extensive economic statistics, both domestic and international. From the White House.
Federal spending on highways totaled $46 billion in 2014. This report looks at proposals for making such spending more efficient, including charging more directly for the use of roads, especially during congested times, allocating funds to states according to certain benefits and costs, and linking spending to performance measures. From the Congressional Budget Office
http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/49910-Infrastructure.pdf
Covers the history of spending on 6 types of transportation and water infrastructure: highways, mass transit/rail, aviation, water transportation, water resources, and water utilities. From the Congressional Budget Office