Benicia's decaying ships to be scrubbed, sold Oct 24, 2009
The initiative, announced Thursday in Benicia by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari, marked a thawing of relations between federal officials and state water quality regulators involved in a long-running dispute over the maintenance and dismantling of the fleet, which numbers 72 ships. Under the plan, the federal government will hire outside contractors to remove fuel from the ships' tanks, scour invasive species from hulls, and blast away peeling paint and metals. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Trustees approve Michelle Obama for honorary degree Oct 23, 2009
Other individuals who were approved by the Board of Trustees on Friday are jazz musician Dave Brubeck, former GW Trustee and CEO of Clark Enterprises, Inc. A James 'Jim' Clark, former Secretary of Transportation William Coleman, co-founder of Intel Corp. Andrew Grove and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus. Last year honorary degrees were given to commencement speaker and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, the Director of Project Kaleidoscope Jeanne Narum, sculptor John Safer... (GW Hatchet, Washington DC)
Warships in S.F. Bay to be recycled Oct 23, 2009
Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari said the government has already awarded contracts to dispose of two World War II-era cargo ships from the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet. The group of more than 70 mostly obsolete vessels in Suisun Bay has been at the center of a nearly three-year deadlock between state water regulators and the federal government, which manages the fleet. (MSNBC -- Environment)
At final meeting, board reflects on turnpike's checkered history Oct 21, 2009
We ll let history be the judge, said Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi, who chairs the turnpike board, wrote a book about the Big Dig and helped write legislation governing project management, financing and operations. After a controversial stint as secretary, Aloisi is stepping down this month. (Dover Sherborn Tab, MA)
Differing Long-term Effects Of Hand-held Cellphone Bans On Driver Hand-held Cellphone Use Oct 18, 2009
Phone use, texting, and crash risk: The question of the risk associated with using various electronic devices while driving was the focus of debate at a recent summit convened by Ray LaHood, US Secretary of Transportation. Participants cited a number of studies. (Science Daily)
Public-private partnerships discussed Oct 18, 2009
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters will deliver the keynote address. Peters, an Arizona native, was director of the Arizona Department of Transportation before she was tapped by President George W. Bush for the Washington post. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
State to try again for feds’ OK on I-80 tolling plan Oct 18, 2009
State to try again for feds OK on I-80 tolling plan - Somerset - Daily American. The Federal Highway Administration said it was unable to move the application forward at that time because of doubts that the complicated transaction between the Turnpike Commission and the state Transportation Department was based on an objective market valuation of the highway. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Arizona making way for private toll roads Oct 16, 2009
"The money from traditional funds simply won't be there," said Mary Peters, who was U.S. secretary of Transportation from 2006 to January. Critics warn that private toll roads create bad long-term deals and benefit businesses and their investors more than the public. (AZCentral -- News)
Two U.S. senators take center stage Oct 14, 2009
Although U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, a former U.S. representative from Central Illinois, was unable to attend, the audience got to see and hear LaHood on a DVD.. There are now 1,500 miles of four-lane highway in the 35-county area represented by the Tri-State Development Summit, LaHood pointed out. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Todd Shipyards sole bidder for two state ferries Oct 9, 2009
An invitation went out to local shipbuilders in July for bids to replace the Steel Electric class ferries that were pulled out of service in late 2007, after the state s Secretary of Transportation declared them unsafe due to corrosion. The new ferries will take about 20 months to build and by May 2011, the state may elect to build a third ferry. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Pr. William won't join anti-HOT lanes suit Oct 8, 2009
The board had a closer look at the suit and there are allegations in there about Pierce Homer, the secretary of transportation, and about the citizens of Stafford and Spotsylvania counties that are unfounded, unfair and, frankly, repugnant to use, he said. The HOT lanes would run on 56 miles of the Interstate 95/395 corridor from the Pentagon to Massaponax in Spotsylvania County. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Invasion of the pod car Oct 4, 2009
Former Massachusetts secretary of transportation Fred Salvucci, who now teaches at MIT, says, We have a lot of low-density suburbs that are very difficult to serve with traditional rapid transit. Although he believes the political will and funding will be all but impossible to muster in the near term, he says, The automobile is totally unsustainable. (Boston Globe)
Ensign's Ex-Mistress Sought $8.5M Payoff Oct 3, 2009
Following requests from Hampton, said the newspaper, Ensign called the secretary of transportation last year on behalf of Allegiant Air. Ensign also arranged for Hampton and his clients to meet the new transportation secretary in a successful effort to resolve a dispute with a competitor, the Times said. (CBS News)
Feds: Ban texting by truckers, bus drivers Oct 2, 2009
1: Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said Thursday the president has signed an Executive Order banning the practice of texting while driving for all federal employees. NBC's Brian Williams reports. (MSNBC -- Politics)
NYT: Ensign aid to mistress husband raises flags Oct 2, 2009
After requests from Mr. Hampton, Mr. Ensign called the secretary of transportation last year to plead the case for a Nevada airline, Allegiant Air, which was under investigation for allegedly overcharging for its online tickets. Earlier this year, he arranged for Mr. Hampton and his clients to meet the new transportation secretary in a successful effort to resolve a dispute with a foreign competitor. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Obama Makes U.S. Taxpayers Bail Out Foreigners Oct 1, 2009
On the second proclamation of the end of the program as a replenished $3 billion in funds ran out, Secretary of Transportation Ray La Hood hailed the alleged success of the program as jump-starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work. Unfortunately initial data collected indicate that more than half of the vehicles sold, each underwritten by a $3,500-$4,500 taxpayer subsidy, were in fact foreign brands. (Human Events Online)
Speed Cameras To Protect Maryland Work Zones Oct 1, 2009
"For these workers, this is the office," said Maryland Secretary of Transportation Beverly Swaim-Staley. "Reduced speed means a safer workplace.". (W-USA News, DC)
Texting while Driving in the Headlights Sep 30, 2009
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood says enforcement must improve. "We've done it with seat belts where enforcement is very strong now, and I think we'll get to it with texting also.". (CBS News -- Evening News)
Feds hold silly summit in Washington Sep 30, 2009
No less a personage than the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, is to convene the two-day summit ; and over the course ofthese two days, heads and deputy heads of several federal, transportation-related offices will speak, as willa number of state-level officials ... The cost of the conference aside, and with all due respect to our Secretary of Transportation, this is absolute nonsense. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Governor Patrick’s budget chief leaves for Harvard University Sep 26, 2009
His chief of staff, Doug Rubin, left in July to focus on campaign issues for Patrick and to run his own political consulting company, while Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi was forced to resign earlier this month. Kirwan s departure had been expected after 2 1/2 years in the toughest and most important job in any administration, made even more so by the recession and a series of severe budget cuts. (Boston Globe)
Stimulus funds awarded for airport work Sep 25, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced on Thursday the funding award through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The legislation included $1. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Transportation Sec. slams political 'trash talk'... Sep 24, 2009
Ray LaHood, U.S. secretary of transportation. " /> Ray LaHood, U.S. secretary of transportation PASSENGER RAIL THE HOT ISSUE DispatchPolitics Complete coverage of Ohio politics The Dispatch s public affairs team sates the appetites of political junkies with bite-sized portions of the news and what's behind it. Veteran political reporters examine Ohio politics in this weekly podcast. A Republican member of President Barack Obama's cabinet blistered conservative talk-radio hosts and... (The Drudge Report)
MBTA ad aims to reduce fire risk Sep 24, 2009
The MBTA system is 112 years old and carries hundreds of thousands of people to work, school, and events safely every day, James A. Aloisi Jr., the state s secretary of transportation, and William A. Mitchell Jr., the MBTA s acting general manager, wrote in a letter to the T Riders Union explaining the new plan. Our priority is and will continue to be maintaining the system we have and investing in repairs that will protect public safety and improve reliability and service. (Boston Globe)
Rail will come when Georgia gets its act together Sep 22, 2009
Ray LaHood, the U.S. secretary of transportation, was asked Monday whether high-speed rail would ever come to Atlanta ... Ray LaHood, the U.S. secretary of transportation, was asked Monday whether high-speed rail would ever come to Atlanta. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
NC Transit District Receives $2M Federal Grant Sep 22, 2009
"NCTD is showing how investing in green transportation not only helps the planet and strengthens our economy, but also creates jobs in Southern California," said Ray LaHood, the secretary of transportation. Since the grant request was for $6 million, agency officials are waiting to see which projects were funded, said Tom Kelleher of the NCTD.. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
MARTA wins solar energy grant Sep 22, 2009
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced the grant, which will come out of the federal economic stimulus program, at the transit agency s Five Points station in downtown Atlanta. MARTA was among 43 public transit systems chosen by the to receive funding through a grant program aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming through energy conservation. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Subway passengers frustrated by third MBTA mishap this week Sep 17, 2009
In an interview last night, the state s new secretary of transportation, Jeffrey B. Mullan, called the fires a perfect storm. When you have two incidents happening within minutes of each other, it makes it a daunting task, Mullan said. (Boston Globe)
Mullan gets top job, new tolls floated as funding continues to vex Sep 16, 2009
Like every other person who has served as secretary of transportation, he walks in with two hands tied behind his back, in my view, and on many days with a blindfold, the 18-year House Democrat from Chicopee said, adding that he was describing the job s rigors and what he said are the lack of resources available to the overseers of the cash-strapped system. Wagner, speaking with a reporter less than an hour before Patrick s press office announced Mullan s appointment said, It s the kind of job... (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Transportation chief pick draws praise Sep 16, 2009
In his new job as secretary of transportation and chief executive of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Mullan will lead the effort to build a new transportation department - overseeing almost every bridge, road, and train in the state - a centerpiece of the Patrick administration agenda ... Before that, he served as undersecretary of transportation and was considered a candidate for the top job before Aloisi was named in December. (Boston Globe)
VDOT Looks at Traffic Improvements on I-66 Sep 15, 2009
Now, the state's secretary of transportation wants it finished. State law requires VDOT to look at hot lanes as they try to figure out how to ready I-66 for the future. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Rumble strips can be crucial in halting crashes Sep 14, 2009
South Carolina Secretary of Transportation H.B. Buck Limehouse Jr. said SCDOT s research has found that one of the most cost-effective traffic control devices to reduce run-off-road crashes is rumble strips. Rumble strips are raised or grooved patterns in the pavement. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Air Canada sues US over charter flights Sep 12, 2009
The airline, which flies numerous sports teams between points inCanada and the U.S., seeks in a federal lawsuit filed in Washington on Wednesday to prevent Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood from enforcing his department's decision. The agency claims that the sports charters violate U.S. law because they last for an entire season and sometimes involve travel between U.S. cities rather than solely between one point in Canada and one point in the U.S.. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Holbrook native Card eyed as possible Senate candidate Sep 10, 2009
From 1992 to 1993, Card served as U. S. Secretary of Transportation under President George H. W. Bush, and he directed the transition office during the changeover from the Bush administration to the Clinton administration. Prior to serving as secretary of transportation, Card, as deputy chief of staff, managed the daily operations of the White House and participated in the development of economic, foreign, and domestic policy. (Holbrook Sun, MA)
National Press Club to Host 'NEWSMAKER' Media Briefing: Freight Officials to Outline Concerns About Highway Bill, Urge Congress to Move Ahead Sep 5, 2009
Participants will include Joni Casey, president and CEO, Intermodal Association of North America; Jean Godwin, executive vice president, American Association of Port Authorities; Allen D. Biehler, Pennsylvania secretary of transportation and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO, Association of American Railroads; Clayton W. Boyce, vice president of public affairs, American Trucking Associations; Janet... (PR Newswire)
Yarbrough: Upcoming safety drill vitally important Sep 5, 2009
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta is the honorary chairman of the 9/11 Drill Down for Safety program, which has the backing of the National Association of Emergency Managers, the U.S. Medical Reserve Corps, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a host of corporate sponsors. In a recent news conference, Mineta said, "Safe America is championing this project because we believe we need to shift the attention from what government can or... (Athens Banner-Herald)
B-Line gets reprieve Sep 4, 2009
The issue was temporarily set aside after Gov. Deval Patrick asked Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi to cancel all public hearings to changes to bus routes and fare increases. But the possibility of the MBTA returning to the table with those same options is raising red flags in Burlington. (Burlington Union, MA)
Mcdonnell stumps at Falmouth headquarters Republican governor candidate Bob McDonnell drops in at Stafford County Republican Headquarters, thanks volunteers Sep 2, 2009
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer recently called for a delay to the project, citing difficulty getting financing for the public-private work, and community objections inside the Capitol Beltway. McDonnell said the delay was a mistake, especially since toll lanes are under construction from Springfield to Tysons Corner on the Beltway. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Recovery project officially unveiled Aug 29, 2009
Mayor Carl Brewer, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller and Kansas Lt. Gov. Troy Findley also spoke to the crowd, each emphasizing the importance of the federally funded project and praising the cooperation of all levels of government that they said made it possible. Wichita-based Inc. was awarded the interchange reconstruction project in July, with a winning bid of $16. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Statement Regarding the Passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy From Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, Vice Chairman, Hill & Knowlton, Inc., Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Aug 27, 2009
Statement Regarding the Passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy From Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, Vice Chairman, Hill ton, Inc., Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation ... Statement Regarding the Passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy From Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, Vice Chairman, Hill ton, Inc., Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. (PR Newswire)
Is PSA about texting while driving too graphic? Aug 26, 2009
We all know texting while driving is dangerous, and I promise you we are going to do something about it, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in announcing the summit. Still, it took years after seat-belt laws were put on the books before the overwhelming majority of Americans began buckling up in earnest. (MSNBC -- Technology)
The truth about ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Aug 26, 2009
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said to be part of the best economic news story in America. GM executive Mike DiGiovanni that it really is all thumbs up, a rare example of an undertaking that is hard to find anything negative about. (Boston Globe)
Manassas gets $3.4M from federal stimulus for new runway Aug 25, 2009
4 million in stimulus funds to redevelop the runway at , U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced Friday. The funds are part of the $1. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
'Clunkers' program hits the brakes Aug 25, 2009
Officially, no applications were being taken after 6 p.m. MDT, according to a release by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, but some dealers decided to end the program early for fear of getting caught up in red tape. Bimbo Bivens, general sales manager of Rob Green Pontiac Buick GMC at 1427 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., in Twin Falls, said his dealership didn't take any "Clunker" applications Monday because the paperwork wouldn't be ready in time. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
'Cash for Clunkers' Goes to Junk Yard Aug 23, 2009
"This program has been a lifeline to the automobile industry, jump starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work," Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in the release. "At the same time, we've been able to take old, polluting cars off the road and help consumers purchase fuel-efficient vehicles.". (The Pilot Newspaper)
'Clunkers' incentive program ends on Monday Aug 22, 2009
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood admitted Wednesday that the government's online reimbursement system was flooded with requests shortly after the program began on July 24. He said the claims overwhelmed the computer system and the staff set up to process the deals. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
'Cash for Clunkers' Ends Monday Aug 22, 2009
"This program has been a lifeline to the automobile industry, jump starting a major sector of the economy and putting people back to work," Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in the release. "At the same time, we've been able to take old, polluting cars off the road and help consumers purchase fuel efficient vehicles.". (The Pilot Newspaper)
'Cash for Clunkers' at End of Road Mon. Aug 21, 2009
The message from Secretary of Transportation : The money is on its way. "Every dealer with a deal in the pipeline will be paid," LaHood said. (ABC News)
More Women Driving Drunk Aug 20, 2009
"Roughly 2,000 fatalities a year involve an impaired woman, impaired women driver. This is clearly a very disturbing trend," said Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation. While men still outnumber women by 4 to 1 in DUI arrests, statistics show, when drunk women cause fatal car crashes, they're more likely to have a passenger in the car. (CBS News)
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Brown has perfect voting attendance record in Senate Aug 18, 2009
Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi on the cancellation of several forums at which T riders could express their opinions about possible fare hikes. I think the watchdog role suits me well. (Dover Sherborn Tab, MA)
KDOT: Road projects could be postponed Aug 15, 2009
Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller says more money needs to be allocated to the federal Highway Trust Fund to keep money flowing to states for their projects. Congress gave the fund $7 billion to keep it going for 2009. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Speed limit for trucks set to rise to 65 Aug 15, 2009
"But as secretary of transportation, looking at the entire state of Illinois , it becomes a more difficult situation for us.". Under the law, truckers traveling in the Chicago area will still have to operate at the 55 mph level. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
County receives $3.1M from fed for airport Aug 14, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocation Thursday. The grant will fund the second phase construction of Runway 01L/9R safety area improvements. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Guest commentary: Stepping back, riding forward after MBTA nixes fare hike Aug 13, 2009
In fact, since the Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi announced in June that the fare hike proposals were forthcoming, the public has clamored for a better, more comprehensive solution to the T s struggling financial situation. More than 150 people showed up to a hot and crowded room in the State House on Monday afternoon for the first of the now-canceled series of workshops. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
'Clunker' vouchers considered as eligible new cars run low Aug 13, 2009
sent a letter to Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation, asking him to consider allowing consumers to use vouchers to order cars from auto manufacturers, closing the deal once the car comes in. Miller says she's heard from many dealers in her district who say they're out of cars that qualify and that it could be weeks or more than a month before more cars make it to their lots. (USA Today -- Autos)
T chief resigns, will be paid more than $327,000 Aug 13, 2009
Mitt Romney, will leave his post immediately, Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi announced Thursday evening after hours of meetings. Grabauskas will be paid $327,486. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Governor cancels all MBTA public workshops Aug 12, 2009
Governor Deval Patrick has asked that the Secretary of Transportation cancel all public hearings to discuss changes to MBTA bus routes. According to state Representative Sean Garballey, D-Arlington, the governor has postponed the meetings until a full review of MBTA finances can be conducted. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Lehigh: On T fare issue, the truth is left stranded Aug 12, 2009
In a July 6 e-mail to Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi, Grabauskas advocated delaying a fare hike until 2011, saying that with the $160 million from the newly passed sales tax, plus federal stimulus money and some layoffs, the MBTA could get by until then. Aloisi s reply: My reaction is that there are too many ifs or other risks in the scenario you outline. (Boston Globe)
MBTA to hold Aug. 12 workshop in Braintree on proposed fare hike Aug 11, 2009
Although state Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi has said that he doesn t want any fare increases until an independent review of the MBTA is completed on Nov. 1, he decided to move forward with the workshops in order to obtrain input on the transit agency s performance. The MBTA owes $5. (Braintree Forum, MA)
The conservative case for why Bill Clinton got snookered Aug 6, 2009
This week, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood claimed that cash for clunkers had benefited domestic car companies, particularly Ford. When The Associated Press requested data to verify this contention, the most transparent administration ever to grace God s soon-to-be-unblemished Earth refused to release the data. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Patrick wants T chief out Aug 6, 2009
It appears there s a personality conflict between the secretary of transportation and the general manager that s clouded his judgment ... It seems that only three board members, the secretary of transportation and the governor have an issue with Dan, Tisei said. (Boston Globe)
Issa Slams Emanuel for 'Chicago'-like Attacks Aug 6, 2009
Letter from Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation. On Sunday, Arizona Sen. (Newsmax)
Oregon dealers hope for more 'cash for clunkers' funding Aug 5, 2009
Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood said. the Senate must understand how "wildly popular this is, how good it is for the economy and how good it is for the environment.". (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
CONGRESSMAN WARNS RAHM: THIS ISN'T CHICAGO... Aug 5, 2009
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform - Republicans: Press Release :: Issa to Emanuel: Back Off. B350A Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5074 Fax: (202) 225-3974. (The Drudge Report)
'Clunkers' May Hit Scrap Heap This WeekTransportation Sec. LaHood says without Senate action program will stop. Aug 3, 2009
Without additional funding from Congress, the popular program could perish this week, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said on C-SPAN Sunday. Instead of expected crowds, dealers got questions from potential buyers Saturday. (ABC News)
Georgia’s roads' stimulus money waiting to work Aug 2, 2009
It s an indication of how hungry the contracting community is and how badly they want this work and to create and to retain jobs, said Deputy U.S. Secretary of Transportation John Porcari during a June 30 visit to celebrate metro Atlanta s first stimulus-backed road project. Porcari said the focus was getting work out the door as quickly as possible. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
