Virginia, New Jersey Latest to Apply for High-Speed Rail Funds

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine last week announced that the commonwealth has submitted its first high-speed rail application for the Arkendale to Powell's Creek project along the I-95 High-Speed Rail Corridor. The project, with a construction cost of $74.8 million, will build 11.4 miles of third track in Stafford and Prince William Counties. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $8 billion in competitive funding for high speed rail corridors around the country. Gov. Jon S. Corzine also announced last week that New Jersey completed its application for federal funding for a project to replace and expand Portal Bridge -- a nearly 100-year-old span that carries Northeast Corridor train traffic over the Hackensack River just west of Secaucus

Secretary Chu Announces Grants to Support Clean Fuels, Vehicles

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu last week announced the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects will put more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road, and establish 542 refueling locations across the country, according to a release from Chu's office. The Department of Energy also estimates they will help displace approximately 38 million gallons of petroleum per year.

South Korea to Launch Telework Initiative

South Korean government employees will be working in telecenters rather than commuting to work, according to the government's information agency. Employees from different agencies will work together in regional telecenters. While the country has a robust telecommunications infrastructure, telework has not until now been a significant factor in greening the country.

Houston Chooses Parking Management System

Houston has selected T2 Flex as its new parking management system. "The idea of having one system that processes everything related to our parking operation is a key benefit," said Liliana Rambo, director of the Parking Management Division for the city. "Not only will we use T2 Flex to manage our enforcement activities and our permits, we're also looking forward to providing new online services to our parkers."