Federal officials are looking at an unlikely city as a model for urban public transit: Los Angeles.
Federal transportation officials are putting their support behind Los Angeles' transit planning, arguing that it could offer a model for other cities looking for speedy economic recovery and congestion reduction. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has been pushing for 12 new train lines to be completed in 10 years, instead of the 30. transportation officials had settled on.
"The Obama administration and influential members of Congress are exploring ways to aid the car-clogged city with a federal loan, economic stimulus funds or other assistance so it can build 12 transit lines in 10 years instead of 30.
'Everyone who has ever driven in L.A. knows that more and better transit in that region is a must, and the sooner it's in place, the better,' said Roy Kienitz, the undersecretary for policy in the U.S. Department of Transportation."
FULL STORY: U.S. officials eager to climb aboard Villaraigosa's L.A. transit plan

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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