NATIONAL NEWS

Reason Foundation 18th Annual Highway Report
http://reason.org/files/highway/18th_annual_highway_report.pdf
The study finds over half of all state-owned highways across the country are congested and 25 percent of bridges are deficient or functionally obsolete…The Reason Foundation study examines state highway systems in 11 categories, including congestion, pavement condition, fatalities, deficient bridges and total spending. The annual report is based on information that each state reported for the year 2007.

STATE NEWS

Crains Detroit Business:  Michigan Bill Opens Infrastructure Projects to Investors
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20091220/FREE/312209987/1069#
Legislation that could encourage private investors to fund public transportation infrastructure is on the move in the Capitol…Under House Bill 5461, investors who front money needed for projects large and small — such as turn lanes, intersection upgrades, parking facilities and transit-related improvements — would be repaid and potentially profit from property-tax growth in the project's area.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Road-funding crisis looms for N.J.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/79784097.html
The state Transportation Trust Fund is projected to run dry by June 2011, leaving the new governor with two unsavory options: borrow more money or raise taxes and tolls. So far, he has said he is against both…Christie, who argued against additional debt during his gubernatorial campaign, approved a decision by the Transportation Trust Fund Authority this month to borrow $1.2 billion, bringing the fund's debt to about $11.6 billion.