Groups including the Sierra Club say the expansion of I-94 would negatively impact communities of color and increase flood risks.

A group of environmental organizations is suing the U.S. Department of Transportation at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in an attempt to stop the expansion of Interstate 94, reports Christina Van Zelst for Fox 6 Milwaukee.
According to Van Zelst, “The $1.7 billion project plans to expand I-94 from six to eight lanes between 16th and 70th streets in Milwaukee. The project recommendation includes modifications to the Stadium Interchange, such as eliminating left-hand exit and entrance ramps, ‘right-sizing’ the interchange to a diverging diamond and reconstructing the full corridor to a full four lanes in each direction.”
The group says the project, which is already federally approved, “will perpetuate the negative impacts of highway expansion on communities of color, increase climate emissions, exacerbate water pollution and flooding, and compound decades of disinvestment in public transportation in Milwaukee.”
The plaintiffs point out that the project does not include any considerations for public transit, which many local residents rely on.
FULL STORY: I-94 expansion in Milwaukee project; opposition takes legal action

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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