A public-private partnership to build a large tollway south of Houston has taken important first steps. Construction will commence later this year.
"A tollway down the center of Texas 288 will start to take shape later this year," reports Dug Begley, "now that state transportation officials have finalized agreement [sic] with the private firm planning the road."
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reached the deal with Blueridge Transportation Group on the $815 million public-private partnership.
According to Begley, "[t]he project covers a 10.3-mile stretch from U.S. 59 to the Harris County line, including direct ramps to the Texas Medical Center and a new interchange with the Sam Houston Tollway." Begley includes more details about the current project as well as the potential for this project to lead into a $2.1 billion, 52-year project to build a private tollway along the public right of way.
FULL STORY: Texas 288 tollway a debatable deal for drivers

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

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.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.

Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.

DC Extends Application Window for Outdoor Dining Permits
District restaurants will have until the end of November to apply, but businesses with permits in rush hour parking lanes must end operations on July 31.
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