The department issued $830 million in grants for improving roads, bridges, and other infrastructure vulnerable to extreme weather and other climate impacts.

A new round of grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) targets projects that build resilience and make transportation infrastructure more resistant to the impacts of climate change, reports Susan Carpenter for Spectrum News. “The grants will go to 80 projects in 39 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands to address geographically specific issues, including $56 million to build a taller bridge in a flood-prone area of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and $33 million to install a new drainage and sewer system to protect a subway line in New York City that serves one million riders daily.”
This marks the first time the federal government has partnered with local and state governments to specifically address the resilience of transportation infrastructure. According to the article, “The United States received a C- grade overall on the most recent American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. While rail received a B, bridges received a C, roads and dams received a D and transit received a D-.”
In announcing the grants, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that extreme weather driven by climate change is one of the biggest threats to our infrastructure, to quality of life and safety in our community.”
FULL STORY: Transportation Department funds resilience projects in 39 states to battle fires, floods and drought

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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