Chicago's home county this year launched its first transportation since 1940. Initial outreach efforts have produced a draft vision statement and four planning scenarios.
Steven Vance reports that the initial outreach for the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) effort by Chicago's Cook County has produced an initial set of draft documents. The Department of Transportation and Highways has produced a "a new vision statement [PDF] – that world-class transportation will spur economic growth and enhance quality of life – plus four scenarios for the future [PDF], which the public can vote on in an online survey."
Vance goes on to provide details about each of the four scenarios (namely, "Running on Empty," "Stuck in First Gear," "Picking Up Steam," and "All Aboard."
"The county prefers 'All Aboard,' but it’s not clear how increasing the gas tax (in particular) would necessarily lead to transit enhancements. Gas tax revenue is primarily spent to maintain and build new roads, with a small portion of IDOT funds going to the Regional Transportation Authority. Some of this would be offset in 'All Aboard,' since it also recommends congestion pricing “to reduce driving” and generate funds for other modes.
FULL STORY: Cook County’s Transportation Plan Thinking Big, But Where’s The Money?
First Transportation Plan Since 1940 Launches in Chicago’s Cook County
Cook County is in the early stages of public outreach for its first transportation plan since the 1940 “Highway Plan for Cook County.”
Chicago Planning Department Rejects 'Overparked' Six Corners Proposal
In a decision that is still impossible in most of the country, Chicago's Department of Planning and Development is requiring housing and reduced surface parking to approve a retail project.
Illinois gets Federal Grant to Reduce Railroad Delays on Chicago's South Side
The Federal government has awarded Illinois $132 million for new infrastructure around 75th street and 71st streets.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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