Mr. Anderson

I love Bojangles. Nice pics Rando.

OK fair enough. They'll drive here for IKEA and we'll drive there for H&M.

By then things should be in full swing again.

What? No coupons?

The only thing good about this project is that the restaurant didn't move outside the 275 loop - that being said - it leaves another "redevelopment opportunity" across the street from Northgate Mall.

I went to an OKI open house and asked about the I75 widening project - they are essentially widening a road that they say will be at capacity when it is completed because of the anticipated increase in the number of cars/trips - i.e. build it and they will drive on it! The process is so long and political that they can't stop and use the $500M for something else like light rail. I'd bet the outcome would be different if people had to vote on road widening projects like rail and transit projects.

So Mr. Boondoggle are you the guy we can lay blame to for the car/oil dependent, sprawling culture that the cato group protects? You use of "Uncle Rando" and "threaten" in the same sentence is pretty preposterious. :whip:

Nice. Check out the unique restaurant "the Hideaway" next door to the Northside Tavern.

Wine store to open in Findlay Market Business Courier of Cincinnati Over-the-Rhine's Findlay Market is adding Market Wines to its eclectic mix of food and drink offerings. Market Wines owner Michael Maxwell said the store, set to open March 29, will stock a selection of wines that pair well with food, as well as organic wines, microbrewed and imported beers, and wine accessories. Read full article here: http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/03/10/daily29.html

Think of all the billions we've squandered over the years driving gas guzzlers, etc. - mind boggling. $100 oil hurts, just like a recession Economists, once so dismissive of pricey crude's economic impact, say it's going to hurt. By Steve Hargreaves, CNNMoney.com staff writer March 7, 2008: 2:17 PM EST NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- All of those people that believe high oil prices will hurt the economy may be onto something. Back in October, when oil prices were near $90 a barrel and the economy was still humming along economists said high oil prices shouldn't cut into economic growth - despite widespread public opinion to the contrary. The economy used oil more efficiently than it did in the 1970s, and spending on gas was just a small percent of people's budget, the experts said. More: http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/07/news/economy/oil_recession/index.htm?postversion=2008030714

Bush: Use ethanol to get off oil Bush calls for energy independence, stands by ethanol although environmental benefits of the corn-based fuel are questioned while it is blamed for surging food prices. By Steve Hargreaves CNNMoney.com staff writer March 5 2008: 4:03 PM EST WASHINGTON (CNNMoney.com) -- President Bush said the United States should "get off oil" Wednesday as crude prices hit record highs and renewed his support for ethanol use despite concerns the corn-based fuel is driving up food prices and isn't more environmentally friendly than gasoline. "We gotta get off oil, American has got to change its habits," Bush told a crowd at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, a meeting of global energy officials and an adjoining trade show that's the largest all-renewables show ever held in the United States. "It should be obvious to all, demand has outstripped supply, which makes prices go up." More: http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/05/news/bush_ethanol/index.htm?postversion=2008030516

Bush finds out about $4 gas forecasts President says best way to help consumers cope is to make his tax cuts permanent. February 28 2008: 12:52 PM EST NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- President Bush, saying he was unaware of predictions of $4-a-gallon gasoline in the coming months, told reporters Thursday that the best way to help Americans fend off high prices is for Congress to make his first-term tax cuts permanent. "If you're out there wondering... what your life is going to be like, and you're looking at $4 a gallon, that's uncertain," Bush responded to a question posed at a White House news conference. "And when you couple that with the idea that... taxes may be going up in a couple years, that's double uncertainty." More at: http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/28/news/economy/bush_energy_policy/index.htm?cnn=yes

Nope. Did I miss something? Yea, awesome tacos!

Ink - did you lunch at Papi's?

Great! Whats her plan? What is the proposed route? I think I have read the same thing as you have, what information do you have to argue against or is everyone going to do it on the fly? Well that isn't the point of the people you are arguing against from what I just read. And no, I have written a page or two now about how my map would be different as I would consider myself an 'expert' (whatever that means) in economic and community development especially as it pertains to OTR. I am glad you think so. I urge everyone to actually read the motion qualls has put forth before making any decisions. For example it imposes strict funding limitations from the city, and it requires at least eight additional studies that will cost millions of dollars and delay the project for years. Strict funding limitations like no general fund money can be used to cover streetcar operations - that alone is probably a non-starter. She can't be assuming the streetcar will pay for itself - like all the roads do! :-D

Sound familiar - this is getting old.

Twice as high as Burj Dubai by Talal Malik on Thursday, 21 February 2008 A Middle Eastern real estate company have asked British firm Hyder Consulting to design a structure that will be twice as tall as the Burj Dubai - making it the world's tallest tower. Speaking at a construction forum in Abu Dhabi last week, Andy Davids, Hyder Consulting's director of structures, told newswire MEED that the tower would be located in the Middle East region. Contacted by ArabianBusiness.com on Thursday, Hyder Consulting's design and structures team did not provide any further details on the project. Hyder has been working on Emaar Properties' Burj Dubai, currently the world's tallest structure being built in Dubai and scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008... Full and high-resolution photos of Burj Dubai past the 600-metre mark can be found on photos section of The World Exclusive... http://www.arabianbusiness.com/511909-twice-as-high-as-burj-dubai?ln=en

Christ Hospital leaves alliance Departure from Health Alliance will cost millions, at first BY CLIFF PEALE | [email protected] Christ Hospital will become independent this year, but it will spend tens of millions of dollars on the transition and on renovations. Starting next month, Christ will start paying its own employees. In April, it will start billing for its services and in May it will unveil a new patient-information system. The changes are part of Christ Hospital's acrimonious withdrawal from the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati. After 14 years as one of six hospitals in the region's largest health-care system, the withdrawal of Christ and the St. Luke Hospitals in Northern Kentucky sparked a two-year legal battle that still lingers. Both hospitals said the alliance neglected them and didn't invest enough in their facilities. Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080221/BIZ01/802210326/1076/BIZ

Hopefully **fingers and toes crossed** after the national election the new administration will clean house at the FTA, have the rules re-written to be more rail transit friendly, and congress will allocate more $$$$ for these type of public transit projects.

After reading about how the FTA pulled the rug out from under the Miami Metro Rail Corridor project from an earlier post I decided to check out the FTA website and found this. A scant $1.6B in funding for transit projects for the nation. We've got a long, long way to go. President's Spending Plan Recommends $1.62 Billion for Transit Construction, Including New Projects in Nine Cities Across the U.S. 02-05-08 Contact: Paul Griffo Telephone: (202) 366-4064 Having delivered nearly $9 billion in federal funding for 22 major transit projects since he took office in 2001, President Bush today recommended a $1.62 billion funding package for Fiscal Year 2009 that includes new projects in nine cities across the nation. This New Starts amount is part of a total public transportation budget proposal of $10.1 billion, a 6.8 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2008. “Well planned, cost-effective transit is crucial to relieving congestion, protecting the environment and reducing dependence on foreign oil,” said Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. The budget proposes $200 million in funding for nine new projects in the “Small Starts” program, and four existing small starts projects in the following cities: Flagstaff, Arizona; San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside County and Livermore-Amador, California; Fort Collins, Colorado; Fitchburg, Massachusetts; Kansas City, Missouri; Portland and Springfield, Oregon; and two projects in King County, Washington. The Small Starts program was created under the most recent surface transportation authorization bill so that smaller transit projects would not have to compete with larger projects for federal funding. The spending plan also recommends $160 million for two larger construction projects, Denver’s West Corridor Light Rail and Seattle’s University Link, which are currently pending under the Federal Transit Administration’s major capital funding program known as “New Starts.” Additionally, $1.14 billion is proposed for 15 other projects that have active long-term commitments for federal funding, and are already under construction: Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; Minneapolis-Big Lake, Minnesota; Hudson-Bergen, New Jersey; New York, New York {2}; Norfolk, Virginia; Phoenix, Arizona; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; Washington, DC; Seattle, Washington and Weber County-Salt Lake City, Utah. “We are particularly enthusiastic about the projects that we have recommended for funding this year,” said FTA Administrator James S. Simpson. “When you consider the projects we have recommended for funding on a cost-per-mile basis, we are putting tax dollars where they will move the greatest number of people so taxpayers get a good return on their investment.” The ratings and recommendations are part of the Federal Transit Administration’s Annual Report on Funding Recommendations for New and Small Starts for Fiscal Year 2009. The report proposes $60 million in funding for Denver’s West Corridor Light Rail, a 12-station light rail extension that begins at the existing Auraria Station in downtown Denver and extends 12.1 miles west, parallel to West 6th Avenue, which carries the second highest traffic volume in the region. Funding of $100 million is also proposed for Seattle’s University Link, which will serve the most densely developed residential and employment area in the Central Puget Sound region and the state of Washington. A complete list of projects recommended for FY 2009 is available online at http://www.fta.dot.gov/2009newstartsreport. FY 2009 ANNUAL REPORT ON FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS HIGHLIGHTS NEWLY PROPOSED SMALL STARTS PROJECTS (9) The President’s budget sets aside a total of $200 million to be available for Small Starts projects for capital costs associated with new fixed guideway systems, extensions, and bus corridor improvements. Requests must be for under $75 million in Small Starts funds and total project costs must be under $250 million. The following nine Small Starts projects are being recommended for the first time in the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget: Fitchburg, MA – Commuter Rail Improvements – $30 million in FY 2009 (Medium High Rating, Project Development Phase) The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) of the Fitchburg/Leominster, Massachusetts, metropolitan area, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), has proposed to modernize an existing commuter rail line to provide improved service and reliability for riders at 18 urban and suburban stations over a 49.5-mile corridor extending from Fitchburg to Boston’s North Station. With a federal Small Starts share of $75 million, the $150 million project, which includes 8.5 miles of double tracking and track upgrading, will provide a more attractive, more reliable, and faster travel alternative. It is expected to carry 10,800 daily riders when it opens in 2012. Flagstaff, AZ – Mountain Links BRT - $6.24 million in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) This proposed 5.8-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) line will serve the campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU), nearby shopping centers, and downtown Flagstaff. The proposed line will combine two existing local bus routes as well as an on-campus shuttle system and would feature 1.3 miles of dedicated guideway. In addition, through an intergovernmental service agreement with NAU, the proposed on-campus service will be combined with existing Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority service and will be operated throughout Flagstaff as “Mountain Links.” With a federal Small Starts share of $6.24 million, the proposed $10.41 million project extends from a local shopping and residential center located southwest of NAU’s campus onto the campus itself, continuing north into downtown Flagstaff. The Mountain Links BRT project includes 24 new stations, signal prioritization, and the purchase of eight electric-hybrid vehicles. The proposed service would carry 4,150 daily riders when it opens in 2010. Fort Collins, CO – Mason Corridor BRT – $11.18 million in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) The City of Fort Collins, is proposing a 5-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) system within its Mason Transportation Corridor (MTC). The “Mason Express” or “MAX” right-of-way would operate at-grade in mixed traffic from the existing North Transit Center 1.2 miles to the northern edge of Colorado State University (CSU) and continue in a 3.8-mile exclusive right-of-way to the proposed South Transit Center. Service would operate at 10-minute peak frequencies. With a federal Small Starts share of $59.35 million, the $74.2 million project includes construction of the South Transit Center, traffic signal priority in general purpose lanes, a bus guideway facility, eight transit stations, eight enhanced bus stops, 250 park-and-ride spaces, and five new low-floor vehicles. It is expected to carry 3,900 daily passengers when it opens in 2010. King County, WA – Bellevue-Redmond BRT – $10.95 million in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) King County Metro is proposing to construct and operate a 9.25-mile long street-running bus rapid transit (BRT) line connecting downtown Bellevue, Crossroads Mall, the Overlake urban center, and downtown Redmond. The project includes 12 new stations, real-time bus arrival information, signal prioritization, and 18 low-floor hybrid vehicles. With a federal Small Starts share of $20.21 million, the $27 million line would carry 3,500 daily riders when it opens in 2011. Livermore, CA – Livermore-Amador Route 10 BRT – $7.99 million in FY 2009 (Medium-High Rating, Project Development Phase) The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) is proposing to construct and operate a 12.0-mile arterial and highway-running bus rapid transit (BRT) line serving the communities of Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin. With a $10.93 federal Small Starts share, the $21.66 million Livermore-Amador Route 10 BRT project includes 34 new stations, signal prioritization, and the purchase of 14 electric-hybrid vehicles. The proposed service is expected to carry 4,500 daily riders when it opens later this year. Los Angeles – Wilshire Boulevard Bus-Only Lane – $10.95 million in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), in coordination with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), is proposing to implement a dedicated bus lane along portions of a 12.5-mile stretch of Wilshire Boulevard between downtown Los Angeles and the City of Santa Monica. Wilshire Boulevard is the site of LACMTA’s first Metro Rapid “arterial” bus rapid transit (BRT) line, which opened for service in June 2000. The proposed Wilshire Boulevard Bus-Only Lane project features 9.6 miles of curb lanes converted into an exclusive facility during peak-period operations. The lanes will be differentiated in their appearance with pavement markings and line delineators, and traffic restrictions will be enforced by the Los Angeles Police Department. With a federal Small Starts share of $23.32 million, the $31.51 million project is expected to carry 40,000 daily riders when it begins service in 2011. Portland, OR – Streetcar Loop – $50 million in FY 2009 (Medium High Rating, Project Development Phase) This proposed 3.3-mile extension to the existing “Westside” streetcar line would result in a new streetcar line originating at the existing station at 10th Street and Lovejoy in the Pearl District northwest of downtown Portland. The line would run east across the Willamette River to the City’s Lloyd District, and then south along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Grand Avenue, terminating near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. With a federal Small Starts share of $75 million, this $126.9 million project includes 18 new stations and significant capital improvements to the Broadway Bridge to accommodate streetcar operations. It is expected to carry 8,700 daily riders when it opens in 2011. Riverside, CA – Perris Valley Line – $50 million in FY 2009 (Medium-High Rating, Project Development Phase) The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), in conjunction with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, is proposing to construct a 22.7-mile extension to the Metrolink regional commuter rail system. The Perris Valley Line project would result in an extension of the existing Route 91 commuter rail line between Los Angeles and downtown Riverside serving the communities of Allessandro, Moreno Valley, and Perris, terminating at South Perris. With a $75 million federal Small Starts share, the $168.25 million project includes seven new stations and park-and-ride lots to accommodate 1,430 vehicles, as well as the acquisition of three bi-level coaches. The proposed project is expected to carry 3,400 daily riders in the anticipated opening year of 2011. San Diego – Mid-City Rapid – $21.65 million in FY 2009 (Medium-High Rating, Project Development Phase) This proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) line, nearly 10 miles in length, would connect downtown San Diego and San Diego State University (SDSU). The BRT alignment would run primarily along three of the region’s densest urban travel corridors: Broadway in downtown; Park Boulevard through North Park and Hillcrest; and El Cajon Boulevard, running east-west through several of San Diego’s older and densely populated “Mid-City” neighborhoods. With a $21.65 million federal Small Starts share, the $43.3 million project includes 11 enhanced bus shelters in each direction with real-time passenger information systems; traffic signal priority systems throughout the corridor; and 15 low-floor advanced technology buses that will have a distinct brand to distinguish the BRT from regular local bus service in the corridor. Mid-City Rapid service will carry 15,000 daily riders when in opens in 2010. EXISTING SMALL STARTS PROJECTS (4) FTA is recommending continued investment in four Small Starts projects initiated in FY 2008: Kansas City, MO – Troost Corridor BRT – $125,200 in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) The nine-mile BRT line along Troost Avenue will terminate in downtown Kansas City. The proposed line, which will add 25 new stations and 15 new low-floor buses, will run north and south, parallel and one mile west of the existing MAX BRT. Existing transit service on Troost Avenue carries approximately 7,800 passengers each weekday, which is the highest ridership of any corridor in the region. With a federal Small Starts share of $24.58 million, the $30.7 million project is expected to attract 1,200 new daily riders, and accommodate a total of 9,000 boardings each weekday when it is complete in 2010. King County, WA – Pacific Highway South BRT – $281,520 in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) The 10.9-mile BRT route south of Seattle runs roughly parallel and to the east of Interstate 5 from the City of Tukwila south past Seattle-Tacoma Airport to the City of Federal Way. With a federal Small Starts share of $14 million, the project is expected to cost $25 million, and will carry an anticipated 8,200 passengers daily by the year 2015. Los Angeles – Metro Rapid Bus System Gap Closure – $332,620 in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) The proposed eight Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines that make up the Los Angeles Gap Closure project would connect existing Metro Rapid Bus routes, effectively completing a regional arterial BRT network. The proposed lines, which will utilize existing buses, have been identified for their potential to reduce travel time throughout the Metro Rapid Bus system. With a federal Small Starts share of $16.68 million, the $25.66 million project will add 247 new stations along 120 miles of new bus routes. When the project is complete later this year, it is expected to attract 40,000 new daily riders, and accommodate a total of 123,100 boardings each weekday. Springfield, OR – Pioneer Parkway EmX BRT – $296,000 in FY 2009 (Medium Rating, Project Development Phase) The proposed 7.8-mile extension of the Franklin Corridor BRT extends service from the eastern terminus of the Franklin Corridor route north along the Pioneer Parkway to existing and new residential and employment areas in Springfield. With a federal Small Starts share of $29.59 million, the $37 million project is expected to carry 3,700 passengers daily when it opens in 2010. PENDING FULL FUNDING GRANT AGREEMENTS (2) The following projects are expected to be ready for a Full Funding Grant Agreement under the New Starts Program prior to or during FY 2009: Denver, CO – West Corridor Light Rail – $60 million in FY 2009 (Medium-High Rating, Final Design Phase) This 12-station light rail extension begins at the existing Auraria Station in downtown Denver and extends 12.1 miles west, parallel to West 6th Avenue, which carries the second highest traffic volume in the region. The West Corridor will serve Lakewood and other Westside activity centers, and will provide connections to the Denver Tech Center, the second largest employment center in the Denver metropolitan area. It will also facilitate development opportunities along the corridor. It will carry 29,700 average weekly riders, including 6,200 new daily riders, by 2030. The project will cost a total of $656.83 million, with a federal New Starts share of $290.55 million. Seattle – University Link – $100 million in FY 2009 (High Rating, Final Design Phase) Sound Transit is proposing to implement an extension of the Central Link light rail transit Initial Segment currently under construction from the segment’s northern terminus at Westlake Station in downtown Seattle to the University of Washington, 3.1 miles to the northeast. The University Link corridor is the most densely developed residential and employment area in the Central Puget Sound region and the state of Washington. The extension will serve more than 40,200 weekday riders by 2030. The project is estimated to cost $1.80 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $750 million. EXISTING FULL FUNDING GRANT AGREEMENTS (15) FTA is recommending continued investment for 15 New Starts Projects: Chicago – Ravenswood Line Extension – $30.47 million in FY 2009 The Chicago Transit Authority is reconstructing platforms and stations on the existing Ravenswood (Brown) Line to accommodate eight-car trains, along with other related capital improvements. The Brown Line extends approximately 9.1 miles from the Kimball Terminal on the north side of Chicago through the “Loop Elevated” in downtown Chicago, and includes 19 stations. The total project cost is $529.91 million, with a federal New Starts share of $245.52 million. It is expected to carry 68,000 daily riders by 2020. Dallas – Northwest/Southeast Light Rail – $87.97 million in FY 2009 This 21-mile extension will provide fixed guideway transit service in heavily traveled transportation corridors. From Dallas’ central business district, the line will extend northwest 10.9 miles along I-45 to the city of Farmer’s Branch, and southeast 10.1 miles to Buckner Boulevard. The project will provide an alternative to congested highway facilities, increase transit capacity, improve connectivity to regional activity centers, and provide economic development opportunities. The line will carry nearly 45,900 weekday riders by 2025. The project will cost a total of $1.4 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $700 million. Denver – Southeast Corridor Light Rail – $1.03 million in FY 2009 The Denver Regional Transportation District and the Colorado Department of Transportation are constructing the Southeast Corridor Light Rail project, dubbed T-REX. T-REX is a 19.1-mile double-track light rail transit extension to the existing system, which follows I-25 from Broadway in Denver to Douglas County, with a spur along I-225. The total project cost is $879.27 million, with a federal New Starts share of $525 million. It is expected to carry 38,100 daily riders by 2020. Los Angeles – Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension - $74.60 million in FY 2009 The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is constructing a 5.9-mile light rail line in the Eastside Corridor, connecting downtown Los Angeles with East Los Angeles. With a federal New Starts share of $490.7 million, the $898.8 million project is expected to carry 23,000 daily riders by the year 2020. Minneapolis-Big Lake, MN – Northstar Corridor Rail – $71.17 million in FY 2009 The 40.5-mile commuter rail line will connect the Minneapolis central business district with the town of Big Lake. The project is considered the first phase of a larger proposal to construct an 82-mile commuter rail line from Minneapolis to Rice, Minnesota. The Northstar Corridor is one of the fastest growing areas in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It includes the fully developed urban core and several rapidly growing suburban areas. Major highway routes into the central business district are at capacity during peak periods for commuters from the north and northwest. With a federal New Starts share of $156.8 million, the project is estimated to cost $317.4 million, and is expected to serve 5,900 riders each day by 2030. New Jersey – Hudson-Bergen (Second Segment) – $1.10 million in FY 2009 The New Jersey Transit Corporation was constructed an extension to the Hudson-Bergen Waterfront Light Rail Transit System. The project includes a 5.1-mile, six station extension from Hoboken Terminal to the Tonnelle Avenue park and ride lot in North Bergen and a one-mile, one-station extension south from 34th Street to 22nd Street in Bayonne. The total project cost is $1.21 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $500 million. It is expected to carry 34,900 daily riders by 2010. New York – Long Island Rail Road East Side Access – $219.30 million in FY 2009 The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Long Island Rail Road are constructing a commuter rail project that will link LIRR passengers to a new passenger concourse in Grand Central Terminal on Manhattan’s east side. The 3.5-mile East Side Access (ESA) project, using an existing rail tunnel under the East River, will increase LIRR tunnel capacity across the East River and significantly relieve over-crowded conditions throughout the LIRR network. The project will provide direct access to the east side of Manhattan for users of the LIRR, who must currently transfer to other transit lines or walk to get to the east side from Penn Station. The ESA project will serve a portion of the strongest transit market in the country. By reducing travel time to Manhattan’s east side and relieving overcrowding conditions on existing LIRR service to Penn Station, the East Side Access Project will carry more than 171,900 weekday riders, including 27,300 new daily riders by 2030. The project will cost a total of $7.39 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $2.63 billion. New York – Second Avenue Subway – $277.70 million in FY 2009 This 2.3-mile project on Manhattan’s east side will provide extended subway service from 96th Street to 63rd Street, connecting with the existing Broadway Line at 63rd Street Station. The project will relieve overcrowded conditions and improve service reliability on the Lexington Avenue Line, the busiest transit line in America and the only full north-south passenger rail line serving Manhattan’s eastside. It will improve current mobility and meet future demand for commuters throughout the New York City metropolitan area. This segment is Phase I of an 8.5-mile subway line extending the length of Manhattan’s east side from 125th Street in East Harlem to Hanover Square in the financial district. With a federal New Starts share of $1.3 billion, the $4.86 billion project is expected to serve 213,000 riders each day by 2030. Norfolk, VA – Norfolk Light Rail-- $57.06 million in FY 2009 Hampton Roads Transit is constructing a 7.4-mile light rail transit line within the city of Norfolk that is intended to serve as the initial segment of a regional rapid transit system. The project is expected to serve 7,100 riders each day by 2030. The project is estimated to cost $232.1 million, with a federal New Starts share of $127.98 million. Phoenix, AZ – Central Phoenix East Valley Light Rail – $91.80 million in FY 2009 The Central Phoenix East Valley Light Rail project is a 19.6-mile light rail system running from the Spectrum Mall area in Phoenix, through the downtown areas of Phoenix and Tempe, to Mesa. The project, overseen by Valley Metro Rail, will provide access to major employment centers including the Phoenix and Tempe central business districts, Sky Harbor Airport, and Arizona State University (ASU); and large special event venues including Civic Plaza Convention Center, Bank One Ballpark, America West Arena, and ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium. With a federal New Starts share of $587 million, the $1.4 billion project is expected to carry 49,900 riders a day by the year 2020. Pittsburgh – Northshore LRT Connector -- $670,885 in FY 2009 This project sponsored by the Port Authority of Allegheny County is a 1.2-mile extension of the region’s 25-mile light rail transit system, which will connect downtown Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle area to the city’s North Shore area. The project is expected to cost $435 million, with a federal New Starts share of $235.7 million. It will carry 14,300 weekday riders, including 4,100 new daily riders, by 2025. Portland, OR – South Corridor I-205/Portland Mall LRT – $81.60 million in FY 2009 The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation district (TriMet) and Portland Metro are constructing 8.3-miles of new light rail transit (LRT) consisting of two segments connecting to the existing “MAX” LRT system along Interstate 84 to create a new “Green Line” from Clackamas Town Center to Portland State University (PSU). The Interstate-205 (I-205) portion of the project will extend from Gateway Transit Center to a new rail transit center at the Clackamas Town Center. The Portland Mall portion will extend from Union Station to PSU along the North-South Transit Mall. The project includes eight bi-directional stations for the I-205 portion and 14 unidirectional stations along the downtown Portland Mall portion, with seven on each leg of the one-way loop. TriMet will buy 24 light rail vehicles to operate the project. With a federal New Starts share of $345.4 million, this $575.7 million project will carry 46,500 daily riders by the year 2025. Seattle – Central Link (Initial Segment) – $28.85 million in FY 2009 The Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) is constructing a 13.9 mile light rail line that will run from Convention Place through downtown Seattle to South 154th Street in the city of Tukwila. The total project cost is $2.44 billion, with a federal New Starts share of $500 million. It is expected to carry 42,500 daily riders in 2020. Washington, DC – Largo Metrorail Extension – $34.70 million in FY 2009 Sections 3043(a)(31) and 3043(j) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) authorizes the inclusion of an additional 52 rapid rail cars in the Largo Metrorail Extension. FTA included proposed funding for the cars in this section even though the original Full Funding Grant Agreement has been completed and revenue service has begun for the 3.1-mile, two-station extension from Addison Road Station to Largo Town Center in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Weber County/Salt Lake City, UT – Commuter Rail – $81.60 million in FY 2009 This 43-mile, eight-station commuter rail project will provide the areas of Pleasant View, Ogden, Clearfield, Layton, and Bountiful with direct access to downtown Salt Lake City. The commuter rail line will serve nearly 12,000 weekday riders, including 6,100 new daily riders, by 2025. The project will cost a total of $611.7 million, with a federal New Starts Share of $489.4 million. http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_7787.html

Spain opens new bullet train link Wednesday, 20 February 2008 Spain's first high-speed rail link between Madrid and Barcelona has become operational, after years of delay. Hitting speeds of 300km/h (186mph), the first AVE train took 155 minutes to cover the 550km (342 miles) to Madrid. A total of 17 trains - each expected to carry some 200 people - will now be operating daily between the two cities. At a price of some 180 euros (£136) return, the new train link competes favourably with air travel, the BBC's Danny Wood in Madrid says. The added advantage is that the train takes passengers right into the heart of Madrid, our correspondent says. "I think it was an excellent trip from Barcelona," one of the AVE passengers told the BBC. The service is operated by Spain's national train company Renfe. The high-speed link between the country's two biggest cities was planned nearly two decades ago, but its completion was delayed by a number of administrative and construction issues. Spain's first high-speed train line - between Madrid and Seville - opened in 1992. The Spanish government now says it will have more high-speed train lines than anywhere else in the world by 2010, our correspondent says. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7254630.stm

Nice. Typical European city...a multi-story Mcdonalds. :-D

Looks kool Rando send us some more.

We're falling behind really, really fast.. France unveils super-fast train French President Nicolas Sarkozy has attended the launch of a new high-speed train made by engineering giant Alstom. The AGV (Automotrice Grande Vitesse) train will travel at up to 360km/h (224mph) :strong:, powered by motors placed under each carriage, the company says. The absence of locomotives at either end allows it to carry more passengers. Alstom compares the AGV - successor to the TGV - to the world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, in terms of importance and innovation. ......... http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/7227807.stm Published: 2008/02/05 13:41:46 GMT.

Goverments find ways to cooperate Greater Cincinnati is a vibrant quilt of distinct communities, each with a strong identity and tradition. That's a great strength, but it also can be a weakness: Communities tend not to work together, but keep to their own agendas and ways of doing things. Hamilton County alone has 50 governmental entities. But budget cuts, population losses and rising tax burdens call for an ability to cooperate and share resources. A new initiative to encourage voluntary collaboration, called the Government Cooperation and Efficiency Project, may give communities needed fiscal breathing room. Read full article here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080202/EDIT01/802020322/1090/EDIT