editor – Page 39 – Environmental Technical Assistance Program Newsletter

Minnesota DOT Works to ‘Rejuvenate’ Live Snow Fences

The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to “rejuvenate” seven so-called “living snow fences” in southwest Minnesota as part of a month-long effort to ensure the 20-year-old plantings can survive for another two decades.

[Above photo by the Minnesota DOT]

The agency noted that a “living snow fence” is comprised of trees, shrubs, native grasses, and/or wildflowers to trap snow as it blows across fields, piling it up before it reaches a bridge or roadway.

“Rejuvenation” work includes pruning healthy trees while removing and replacing any dead trees and shrubs. The agency noted it schedules such work on living snow fences between March and April specifically to reduce interference with the state’s bat and bird populations.

“A living snow fence is more than landscaping and highway beautification, it serves a purpose,” explained Dan Gullickson, Minnesota DOT’s blowing snow control shared services program supervisor, in a statement.

“We use nature to control blowing snow and rejuvenating these living snow fence sites will safeguard the health and vitality of the plantings,” he added.

The Minnesota DOT said living snow fences offer multiple infrastructure benefits, including:

Prevent the formation of large snowdrifts and icing on roads.
Improve motorist visibility by reducing whiteout conditions due to blowing snow.
Control soil erosion and reduce spring flooding.
Lessen environmental impact by reducing the need to use salt on the roads during winter.

KYTC Prepares to do Battle with ‘Noxious Weeds’

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is gearing up to control the growth of noxious and nuisance weeds along roadsides throughout the state starting in April.

[Above photo by the KYTC]

KYTC is targeting targets 11 noxious weeds with this effort: Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, nodding thistle, common teasel, multiflora rose, Amur honeysuckle, poison hemlock, marestail, Japanese knotweed, and kudzu.

KYTC added that local property owners may file a request that highway crews treat select nuisance weeds found on adjacent state-owned rights of way as well. To request weed treatment request submit a written application to the local KYTC highway district office, the agency added.

“Weeds are more than a nuisance-they pose safety concerns,” explained KYTC Secretary Jim Gray in a statement.

“Actively treating the weeds on state-maintained property enhances driver visibility near roadways, prevents damage to ditches and drains, and minimizes the presence of plants that attract deer near highways,” he said.

Noxious weeds often invade and destroy the roadside turf grass, leaving those areas vulnerable to erosion, KYTC added. They can also smother native plants through rapid reproduction and long-term persistence.

Twenty years ago, the Federal Highway Administration published a compendium of resources aimed at removing invasive species of plants that might take root along roadways nationwide. They can cause “significant changes” to local ecosystems, upsetting ecological balances and causing economic harm to the country’s agricultural and recreational sectors.

Environmental News Highlights – March 2, 2022

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES

Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool Beta Version – Council on Environmental Quality (Request for information)

Proposed Consent Decree, Clean Air Act Citizen Suit – EPA (Notice; request for public comment)

Reconciliation of Derogatory Geographic Names Tribal Consultation – Geological Survey (Notice of tribal consultations)

Reconciliation of Derogatory Geographic Names – Geological Survey (Notice with public comments)

Alaska Budget Contains Ice Road Maintenance Funds

The fiscal year 2023 state budget proposed by Governor Michael Dunleavy (R) contains maintenance funding for the Dick Nash Memorial ice road that will help tribal transportation departments maintain the frozen Kuskokwim for travel in the 2022/2023 winter season.

[Above photo by the Alaska DOT&PF]

By contrast, in 2021, contributions from community stakeholders covered half of the ice road’s maintenance costs. However, as heating oil delivery and diesel costs are now over $6 per gallon in the region – and the state is experiencing a funding surplus based in part on high oil prices – Governor Dunleavy said in a statement that he believes it is “only right” to provide community relief where possible.

That is why, in addition to the proposed funding in his FY 2023 budget, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities plans to recover any remaining maintenance costs via federal surface transportation funding during the 2022/2023 winter season, Gov. Dunleavy said.

The Kuskokwim ice road – which can stretch up to 300 miles long – serves 17 villages and helps Alaskan rural communities move goods and services during winter months. They are a safe alternative when poor weather prevents airplanes from flying, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, and proved an efficient way to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.

Maintaining ice roads goes beyond plowing snow and placing reflectors. For example, the ice road crew serving the Village of Napaimute has developed a cell phone application to measure ice thickness. That application integrates ice-penetrating radar with traditional Native knowledge and local observations into an easy-to-access cell phone data format.

“I had the opportunity to travel the Kuskokwim Ice Road for the first time on a recent visit to the Villages of Napakiak and Napaskiak,” the governor said. “All those hundreds of miles of drivable ice are truly an Alaskan feat … and I heard from many residents about the importance of the road during the winter months for health, safety, commerce, and recreation. I’m glad we have identified funding to cover this expense from existing authorities.”

North Carolina Testing Light Pole EV Charging Technology

Governor Roy Cooper (D) recently toured PoleVolt – a new electric vehicle charging station in Charlotte created by a partnership between the City of Charlotte, Duke Energy, Centralina Regional Council and UNC Charlotte – that uses existing streetlights to provide free universal curbside charging for electric vehicles.

[Above photo via the North Carolina Governor’s Office]

PoleVolt – created through a partnership with the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center at UNC Charlotte, the City of Charlotte, the Centralina Regional Council, and Duke Energy – received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Lessons learned from this project about intentional planning and streamlined local government development review processes should help foster similar projects and help expand curbside EV charging infrastructure more broadly statewide.

The project is also in line with Executive Order No. 246 signed by the governor in January that directs the North Carolina Department of Transportation to work with public and private sectors to create a Clean Transportation Plan to guide the establishment of “a cleaner and more resilient” state transportation system.

The order also “underscores” the importance of emphasizing environmental justice and equity in the state’s transition to a clean economy, the governor said.

“The transition by vehicle manufacturers to electric vehicles is upon us and this station is just one example of how North Carolina is getting ready,” Gov. Cooper explained in a statement. “The quicker we move the more affordable electric vehicles will become for everyday people. Our state is moving toward an equitable clean energy economy and public-private partnerships like this one will help make that happen.”

To help foster the development and deployment of similar projects, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the National Association of State Energy Officials, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding on February 23.

Jim Tymon, AASHTO’s executive director, explained in a statement at the time that this MOU provides a “framework for collaboration” in response to the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program established by USDOT and DOE on February 10 to build and operate a nationwide network of EV charging stations.

ETAP Podcast: School Bus Electrification

In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Sue Gander (seen above) – director of the electric school bus initiative for the World Resources Institute – talks about how funds from the $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA signed into law in November 2021 can help expand school bus electrification initiatives.

The ETAP podcast – a technical service program for state departments of transportation provided by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials – explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect transportation and infrastructure programs.

WRI’s Gander explains in this episode of the ETAP podcast that 20 million children, or about half of all American public school students, ride on a school bus every day. Children from coast to coast board one of the country’s nearly 500,000 school buses each morning and ride to class while those vehicles consume diesel, gasoline, natural gas, or propane at an average rate of seven miles to the gallon.

She notes on the podcast that electrification presents a major opportunity to reduce if not eliminate such fuel consumption by school buses – and the $5 billion contained within the IIJA offers an opportunity to state departments of transportation and other state agencies to replace existing buses with electric models and build EV recharging infrastructure to support their operation.

To listen to this podcast, click here.

AASHTO’s CEE Hosting Virtual Peer Exchange

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Center for Environmental Excellence will host a virtual peer exchange discussing alternative project delivery and the National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA process on March 8 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm eastern.

That exchange will feature representatives from Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Utah sharing their experiences using alternative project delivery methods, such as public-private partnerships or P3s and design-build contracts.

The discussion will highlight best practices when using alternative delivery methods as well as discuss the experiences of those states navigating the NEPA process when using an alternative delivery method.

The exchange also includes a question and answer session once the state presentations conclude.

To register for this virtual peer exchange, click here.

Workshop: Grid Integration of EV Charging Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula program guidance, which tasks states to develop plans for electric charging infrastructure deployment along major highway corridors.

[Above photo by the Ohio DOT]

To help states develop such plans, the GridWise Alliance, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the National Association of State Energy Officials, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners are hosting a workshop to explore electric grid considerations related to EV infrastructure investment under NEVI.

Held March 14 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm eastern, the workshop will feature:

Highlights from the GridWise Alliance paper ‘Near-Term Grid Investments for Integrating Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.’
Industry insights on innovative technology solutions.
Utility perspectives on EV charging infrastructure deployment.
State perspectives on grid-EV challenges.
A group discussion period regarding which utility and technology firms provide the best support to states as they develop EV charging network investment plans.

To register for this workshop, click here.

Environmental News Highlights – February 23, 2022

FEDERAL ACTION

State, Local Officials Play Vital Role in Infrastructure – Transport Topics

Bipartisan bill would enable states’ ability to clean abandoned mine discharge – Missoula Current

New headlight technology that improves safety, cuts down glare OK’d by NHTSA: How it works – Detroit Free Press

Fact Sheet: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Advances Cleaner Industrial Sector to Reduce Emissions and Reinvigorate American Manufacturing – The White House (Media release)

COVID-19

Texas sues Biden administration over transportation mask mandate – The Hill

NEPA

NEPA reviews moving faster under Biden – E&E News

INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Utah lawmakers want electric vehicle drivers to pay their fair share – KSTU-TV

Permanent exemption for environmental review sought for California transit projects – SFBay.ca

Alabama officials to feds: Amtrak restoration along Gulf Coast will harm Port of Mobile – AL.com

Elon Musk’s Boring Company Plots Texas Tunnels – Businessweek

AIR QUALITY

Fighting pollution at the Port of San Diego – KPBS Radio (Link to broadcast)

Massachusetts bond bill will target transportation emissions – State House News Service

Climate activists question whether RI highway projects fit emission reduction targets – Providence Journal

Atlanta Airport Tackles Emissions by Increasing Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Operations – Environment+Energy Leader

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Taking Aim at Environmental Racism, Without Mentioning Race – New York Times

How Montgomery County, Maryland can increase equitable access to transit by improving walkability – Brookings (Blog)

NATURAL RESOURCES

Our roads are killing wildlife. The new infrastructure law aims to help – NPR

From dirty diapers to fake money, Nevada DOT’s road crews have seen it all – Reno Gazette Journal

Ridgefield hires attorneys to represent town in environmental lawsuit filed by Save the Sound – News-Times

The Futility of Picking Up the Trash – CityLab

HEALTH AND HUMAN ENVIRONMENT/ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Arkansas governor to create mobility council focused on future transit – Axios NW Arkansas

Nashville Metro Parks recommends another study amid concerns over eBikes and greenway infrastructure – WZTV-TV

Oregon DOT’s Urban Mobility Strategy navigates tough roads – KOIN-TV

City of Memphis working to make streets safer for pedestrians – WHBQ-TV

King County repeals mandatory bicycle helmet law – Seattle Times

TRB RESOURCES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRB Webinar: Mobility and Transit Keys to Successful Collaboration – TRB

Multi-stage Planning for Electrifying Transit Bus Systems with Multi-format Charging Facilities – TRB

Traffic Signal Control Strategies for Pedestrians and Bicyclists – NCHRP

Assessing Equity and Identifying Impacts Associated with Bus Network Redesigns – TCRP

Recent Decline in Public Transportation Ridership: Analysis, Causes, and Responses – TCRP

Recent Decline in Public Transportation Ridership: Hypotheses, Methodologies, and Detailed City-by-City Results – TCRP

Upsides and Downsides: Transportation and public health share a complicated union. – Thinking Transportation Podcast

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration Guidance – Council on Environmental Quality (Notice of availability; request for comments)

White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council; Notification of Virtual Public Meeting – EPA (Notice)

Control of Air Pollution From Aircraft Engines: Emission Standards and Test Procedures – EPA (Proposed rule)

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment, Adaptive Driving Beam Headlamps – NHTSA (Final rule)

FY 2022 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program – FTA (Notice)

Comprehensive River Management Plan for Nine Wild and Scenic Rivers on Mt. Hood National Forest, Forest Service, and Northwest Oregon District, Bureau of Land Management, Clackamas, Multnomah, Wasco and Hood River Counties, Oregon – Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (Notice of availability)

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Bicycling – National Park Service (Final rule)

Hazardous Materials: Request for Comments on Issues Concerning International Atomic Energy Agency Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials – Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (Notice)

Public Meeting Notice of Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee – U.S. Geological Survey (Notice)

Caltrans Awards $312M for Beautification Projects

As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s landmark $1.1 billion Clean California initiative, the California Department of Transportation recently awarded $312 million for 126 beautification projects along the state’s highway system.

[Above photo by Caltrans]

Developed in close collaboration with tribal and local governments, non-profits, and businesses, those 126 beautification projects – due to begin in April – include art installations, green space (such as parks or community gardens), and proposals that “improve safety and promote community connections.”

Designed to foster cultural connections and civic pride, Caltrans noted in a statement that those projects should generate 3,600 jobs as part of the governor’s multi-year cleanup initiative to remove trash and beautify community gateways and public areas along highways, streets, and roads. The agency added that roughly 98 percent of those beautification projects would benefit historically underserved or excluded communities.

“With Clean California projects transforming more and more sites across the state, we’re taking the next step to create enriching public spaces that serve the needs of our diverse communities and that all of us can take pride in – starting in the neighborhoods that need it most,” said Governor Gavin Newsom (D) in a separate statement. “Working together, the state and local governments are advancing unique beautification projects that will make a positive impact for years to come.”

In addition to these awards for Clean California projects along the state right-of-way, the governor announced in December 2021 the availability of almost $300 million in grants to cities and counties for local projects that “clean and beautify” neighborhood streets, parks, and transit centers throughout California.

Caltrans will review the project proposals from cities, counties, transit agencies, tribal governments, and other governmental entities, then announce grant recipients on March 1.

Over the next three years, Caltrans estimates that the “Clean California” program will remove an additional 1.2 million cubic yards, or 21,000 tons, of trash from the state highway system alone. The initiative has already resulted in 6,300 tons of litter being removed from the State Highway System and, to date, Caltrans has hired 528 new team members, including 428 maintenance workers who collect litter and perform maintenance duties like graffiti removal.