In State of the State addresses this week, several governors said they would prioritize ambitious and much needed infrastructure projects. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week’s State and Local Roundup.
It’s Saturday, Jan. 13, and we’d like to welcome you to the weekly State and Local Roundup. There is plenty to keep tabs on with the high court agreeing to hear a case about homeless encampments that could have huge implications in the West, the first all-female city council gaveling into session in St. Paul, a Massachusetts court ruling that “emerging adults” cannot be sentenced to life without parole and the feds cracking down on funny messages on electronic highway signs.
But first we turn to state infrastructure plans, which governors are still pressing forward on even as the financial picture for states is darkening.
Perhaps the most audacious plan comes from Georgia, where Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is proposing to spend $1.5 billion on transportation projects. The vast majority of that would go to the state transportation department before the current fiscal year ends in June, in order to speed up progress on the agency’s list of planned roadwork. The department will use part of that money to establish a freight infrastructure program and give cities and counties $200 million for their own projects.
ROUTE FIFTY
by DANIEL C. VOCK
JANUARY 13, 2024