Search Results for keywords:"Aether Infrastructure

The National Park Service (NPS) has revised the rules for right-of-way (ROW) permits, which allow the use of lands and waters they manage for infrastructure like power lines and cell towers. These updates make the NPS's process more similar to other Department of the Interior bureaus, introduce pre-application meetings, and require standardized application forms. The new rules also broaden the ways to determine fair market value and highlight the need for construction permitting, address advances in technology, and align with recent laws. These changes aim to protect park resources while making the process clearer for applicants.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is issuing a waiver from the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act requirements for certain products that the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) needs for its safety and modernization grant project. The waiver applies because these products are not readily available in the U.S., or they are too costly to obtain domestically. The waiver covers products like electro-fusion tapping tees, anodeless risers, and lockwing valves, among others, and enables PGW to proceed with updating their gas distribution system in Philadelphia's disadvantaged neighborhoods. This waiver is only applicable to PGW's project and is effective until June 30, 2029.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, plans to host seven regional meetings between February and May 2025. These meetings are designed to help grantees of various broadband grant programs, including those aimed at increasing digital equity and broadband access in underserved communities. Each event will end with a regional roundtable where the public can discuss the impact of these programs and strategies for long-term sustainability. The sessions will feature experts from government, academia, and industry and invite both public and private stakeholders to collaborate on making technology accessible to all residents.

The General Services Administration (GSA), along with other federal agencies, has released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed modernization of the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. This modernization aims to improve the capacity and functionality of the port to accommodate future demand and enhance safety and security. Two action alternatives and a no-action alternative were considered, with potential impacts evaluated on various aspects, including socioeconomics, traffic, and air quality. The EIS outlines steps to mitigate any adverse effects identified.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing a waiver of certain Buy America requirements for transit-oriented development (TOD) housing projects financed through specific credit programs. This waiver would apply to projects that go through credit review before the end of 2025 and aims to balance the need for quick development with domestic content standards. They're encouraging public comments on this proposal. The waiver mainly affects requirements for manufactured products but retains standards for steel, iron, and construction materials.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a waiver for certain Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) for infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories and Freely Associated States, like Guam and American Samoa. This proposal recognizes the unique challenges these regions face, such as extended delivery times and high shipping costs for U.S.-produced goods due to their geographic isolation. If approved, the waiver, which aims to ease these burdens and support project completion, would be valid for five years, allowing exceptions where necessary for strategic security. DOT seeks public comments on this proposal by December 31, 2024.

In an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is seeking public comments on potential regulations concerning information and communications technology and services (ICTS) used in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These technologies, if linked to foreign adversaries like China or Russia, may pose risks to U.S. national security and critical infrastructure. BIS is asking for feedback on possible definitions of UAS, risks involved, and ways to mitigate those risks, with an aim to protect U.S. interests while minimizing economic impact. The public has until March 4, 2025, to submit their comments.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a public interest waiver allowing certain infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) and the Freely Associated States (Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia) to bypass the Buy America requirements. These requirements usually mandate that materials like iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in U.S. infrastructure projects be made domestically. The waiver, lasting five years from January 10, 2025, aims to reduce costs and avoid project delays caused by shipping and sourcing issues from the mainland U.S. DOT decided on this waiver after considering public comments and addressing concerns about regional supply chains and cost impacts.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a waiver for the Buy America requirements for transit-oriented development (TOD) housing projects getting credit assistance from TIFIA and RRIF programs. This waiver will affect TOD projects entering creditworthiness review by the end of 2025 and is intended to expedite these projects while maintaining domestic content standards. The DOT will keep working with borrowers to understand material sources and improve their policy for future projects. The waiver applies to both for-profit and non-Federal entity borrowers.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a waiver to exempt City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri, from the Buy America requirements for certain products used in its natural gas project funded by the NGDISM grant. This waiver is granted because these products, such as locator markers and magnesium anodes, are not available in sufficient quantities from domestic manufacturers. City Utilities had previously sought suppliers but found no companies able to provide the required products compliant with the Buy America Act. The waiver applies only to this specific project and is effective until the project concludes, estimated by June 30, 2029.