The Bi-State Development Agency received roughly $7.4 million for efforts to expand the city’s MetroLink train system.

“About $7.4 million in federal pandemic aid allotted to the Bi-State Development Agency will pay for the next round of planning for a potential expansion of MetroLink” in St. Louis, according to an article by Mark Schlinkmann in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Taulby Roach, the agency’s CEO, said the next phase would include seeking public opinion on the possible stations along the revised route for the line, which would run along Jefferson Avenue from Chippewa Street to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency headquarters.”
The estimated cost for the project is $850 million. “Information developed in the next phase of planning will be used to base an application to the federal government for 60% of the project cost,” Schlinkmann writes. “Meanwhile, St. Louis County and AECOM are researching a potential extension of the city’s northside-southside line into North County. Four alternative routes were announced last month.”
FULL STORY: Federal pandemic aid to pay for next round of planning for MetroLink expansion

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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