Thanks to decades of activism and newly available federal funding, state and local governments are starting to understand the negative impacts of highway construction and working to reverse the effects on cities around the nation.
Writing in the Congress for New Urbanism Public Square blog, Lauren Mayer outlines freeway removal projects around the nation that are being aided by federal support, thanks to the federal government’s “acknowledgement of historic harms with financing through the federal Reconnecting Communities program.”
Mayer focuses on Interstate 787 in Albany; State Highway 55 in Minneapolis; and US Route 244 in Youngstown, Ohio. After decades of fierce highway building, New York is seeing a major turnaround in policy. “With successful removals in Rochester and New York City and more in progress in Syracuse and Buffalo, the state government in New York is working to heal the divisions created when these roads tore apart the communities by reconnecting the historically underinvested neighborhoods and improving economic vitality.” Each project is the result of years of ongoing work and coalition-building by local activists and officials.
Mayer concludes by highlighting the importance of collaboration across agencies and levels of government. “Building coalitions within government and the community can help these long-term and potentially expensive projects build and maintain momentum throughout the process.”
FULL STORY: What does government support for highway removal look like?
More Options Presented for Minneapolis I-94 Project
Two new proposals for replacing the freeway with at-grade segments offer new visions for the future of downtown Minneapolis.
GAO: Reconnecting Communities Lacks Clear Goals and Metrics
The program, aimed at supporting highway removals and other projects that work to reverse the impacts of freeway construction, is light on accountability and performance measures, according to a new report.
What Will Highway Removal Funding Actually Fund?
The federal Reconnecting Communities program is aimed at supporting highway removal and reversing the damage caused by rampant freeway construction, but some watered down proposals from state agencies could fund road expansion instead.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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