As the 2008 election approaches, St. Louis public transit advocates are making a last push to convince voters to pass Proposition M. It would increase sales taxes by half a cent - about $55 per family per year - to ease a budget crunch. If it doesn't pass, officials say they'll have to slash service. According to the American Public Transit Association, about a third of the country's transit agencies say they'll need to cut service to balance their budgets. The crisis is especially bad in smaller cities: Eugene, Ore., for example, as well as Milwaukee, Wis., and Providence, R.I. Blueprint America -- with Weekend America on public radio -- correspondent Rick Karr takes travels to St. Louis to visit the people who're likely to suffer the most if transit officials do end up cutting service.
Reports
WEEKEND AMERICA :: November 1st, 2008
The Bus Stop: Overview
the dig :: October 31st, 2008
The Dig: Infrastructure and the stimulus package
The New York Times reports on the growing movement in Washington to devote the next stimulus package to infrastructure spending. Rep. Jim Oberstar (D., MN), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has been outspoken in his belief that public works spending needs to start now. He responded to opponents who argue that infrastructure spending would take too long to create a meaningful number of jobs quickly.
WORLDFOCUS :: October 26th, 2008
Global Perspectives: Video: Highway to Brazil
Blueprint America -- with Worldfocus -- travels to Rio De Janeiro to see how the government and private companies are partnering to fix Brazil’s highways. Public-private partnerships are also under consideration in America, where states are looking for ways to fund repairs to their roads.
WORLDFOCUS :: October 26th, 2008
Global Perspectives: Video: Singapore’s congestion pricing
Traffic gridlock is hindering economic productivity and increasing pollution in countries around the globe. Blueprint America -- with Worldfocus -- travels to Singapore to see how that country is trying to get commuters out of theirs cars and into rapid transit buses and subways with a traffic congestion pricing plan.
WORLDFOCUS :: October 26th, 2008
Global Perspectives: Analysis: Brazil’s Highway Headaches
Worldfocus producer Bryan Myers writes from Brazil about infrastructure issues in that country.
WORLDFOCUS :: October 26th, 2008
Global Perspectives: Overview
Blueprint America -- with Worldfocus -- in a two-part report on infrastructure challenges and solutions around the world.
Weekend America :: October 24th, 2008
The Leak: Radio: Full Report
The longest tunnel in the world supplies New York City with drinking water - and it's leaking. Blueprint America correspondent Rick Karr takes a look at the catastrophe that's unfolding several hundred feet underground.
WEEKEND AMERICA :: October 24th, 2008
The Leak: Audio: Extended Interviews
Blueprint America correspondent Rick Karr in extended interviews with the Deputy Commissioner of NYC Department of Environmental Protection in the Bureau of Water Supply and a staff attorney with the environmental advocacy group Riverkeeper regarding the leak in the Delaware aqueduct.
WEEKEND AMERICA :: October 24th, 2008
The Leak: Video: Leaky Basement
Video of Julianne Lennon's basement in Wawarsing, NY, as a result of the leak in the Delaware Aqueduct.




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