NATIONAL NEWS

New York Times: New Year But No Relief For Strapped States
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/us/06states.html?pagewanted=print
For many of the states, the new year spells the end to accounting maneuvers, one-off solutions, tax increases and service cuts that were as deep as lawmakers thought they could bear. And governors confront this situation in an election year in which dozens of their jobs are in play, and as many state legislators face their own election challenges...  There are some signs of sunshine, and opportunity, in the budget problems... there remains investor interest and a willingness among state leaders to continue to invest in infrastructure, which can preserve or even create jobs.

DCStreetsblog: The U.S. Transportation Financing Crisis: A Snapshot From the States
http://dc.streetsblog.org/2010/01/07/the-u-s-transportation-financing-crisis-a-snapshot-from-the-states/
As Congress and the Obama administration declining to debate a gas tax increase to pay for the next federal transport bill, how are the states coping?  Some are taking the plunge that Washington won't, debating new user fees on fuel and driving. Others are simply spending less on maintaining existing infrastructure that is bordering on disrepair. To get a taste of the local developments, let's take a quick tour of Kansas, Virginia, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Iowa to see how the transportation-financing crisis is unfolding outside of D.C.

STATE NEWS

The Montclair Times: New Jersey adopts 'Complete Streets' policy after Montclair's lead
http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/80877562_New_Jersey_adopts__Complete_Streets__policy_after_Montclair_s_lead.html
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has implemented a "Complete Streets" policy for all New Jersey state roadways and is working with local and regional jurisdictions to encourage them to adopt similar policies.  The policy ensures that new construction and road renewals accommodate travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit and motorized vehicles.  According to the NJDOT, these roads will be designed to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, children, older adults, and those without cars; provide sidewalks, bike and walking paths, and safe crossings; promote healthy lifestyles; create more livable communities; and reduce traffic congestion and the use of carbon fuels.

Washington Post: Metro Board Expected To Approve Cutbacks in Service
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/06/AR2010010605017.html?hpid=topnews
Metro's board of directors is expected to authorize rail and bus service cutbacks Thursday that would increase crowding and wait times between trains and buses. The move is intended to help staunch a $40 million shortfall in this year's $1.37 billion operating budget.  The Washington area transit woes are mirrored to a degree in other large cities, as nationwide ridership on transit systems fell almost 4 percent for the first nine months of last year, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

Mlive/West Michigan Business Review: $84M Shortfall Threatens Federal Road Funds
http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/01/84m_shortfall_threatens_federa.html
Keeping up with road work is vital for Michigan’s economy. Not only does it supply construction jobs for thousands of people, but better roads also facilitate trade through the state, increase business to Michigan companies and improve safety for drivers.  Michigan is on the verge of losing funding that would leave those benefits, as well as its roads, crumbling. Although the federal government is working on another bill to boost jobs through infrastructure investments, Michigan needs a long-term solution to keep road work going.