In Brief

Fix-It-First

An analyst for the Brookings Institute reminded us that the term “Fix It First” previously appeared in a report from that organization calling for a reorganization of transportation funding priorities (find more about the Hamilton Project here→).  Others have expressed skepticism about President Barack Obama’s seriousness relating to expanding infrastructure investment.

Funding Transportation

The New York Times looked at alternatives to fuel taxes to fund highway maintenance and improvements.  Vermont officials are considering an increase in the state fuel tax.

House Passes Hydropower Bill

The House of Representatives passed the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013 (H.R. 267).  The bill is intended to promote the development of hydropower projects, primarily by modifying permitting authority and programs of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Next Transportation Secretary?

Speculation about who will be the next Secretary of Transportation continues.  Railway Age considers several potential candidates including Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY), former Rep. Steve LaTourrette (OH), former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Rep. James Clyburn (SC), former Rep. Jim Oberstar (MN), former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, and NTSB Chair Debbie Hersman.

Partnership to Rebuild America

In the State of the Union, the president called for a “Partnership to Rebuild America” that would use private investment to partly fund public infrastructure.  A Forbes contributor expressed disappointment that the president did not address the use of tax-exempt bonds.