The document discusses Amtrak funding and argues that Amtrak should continue receiving federal subsidies. It provides background on Amtrak, noting that it was created by Congress to operate passenger rail but has always depended on subsidies. While the Bush administration wants to eliminate subsidies, many argue this would bankrupt Amtrak and negatively impact communities and the economy. Supporters point to reforms that have made Amtrak more efficient and progress on reducing costs. Eliminating subsidies could remove an important transportation option and cause job losses.
Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2012 Budget HighlightsPorts-To-Plains Blog
The Department of Transportation's FY 2012 budget highlights include:
- A total budget request of $129 billion, including a $556 billion six-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal.
- A $50 billion "Up-Front" economic boost to foster job creation by funding infrastructure projects.
- $5 billion requested to establish an Infrastructure Bank to leverage transportation funding through innovative financing.
- Major increases in funding for federal highway, transit, and passenger rail administration compared to FY 2010 levels.
THE $1.2 TRILLION BIDEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLANDesignTeam8
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $1.2 trillion for transportation, clean energy, broadband, and electric vehicles. This includes $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Rasky Partners and Park&K are connecting a gasoline retailer, EV infrastructure provider, and 5G company in the Northeast as a public-private partnership to apply for these grants. They will assist with partnership development, grant writing, relationship building in DC, and highlighting proposed projects to federal agencies.
The document summarizes how a shortfall in the federal Highway Trust Fund would significantly impact transportation project funding and construction in several US states. It provides examples from Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, and Connecticut where state departments of transportation rely heavily on federal funding and would be forced to delay or cancel numerous projects worth billions of dollars in the aggregate. This would negatively affect employment in the construction industry and the ability to improve and maintain roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure.
Managing California's Incremental Intercity Passenger Rail HSIPR in Support of the CHSR project. A survey of Caltrain Intercity rail corridor HSIPR and their 2025 Electrification Plan for Supporting CHSR Connectivity.
This document proposes expanding passenger train travel in Oregon through the Valley Railway Corp. It argues that investing in rail infrastructure would provide significant economic, social, and environmental benefits compared to continuing to rely primarily on automobile transportation. Specifically, the summary cites potential savings in transportation costs, job creation, reduced road maintenance expenses, and decreased pollution and wildlife impacts. The proposal claims that expanding rail options could save the state and local governments substantial resources while stimulating business opportunities through a more efficient and sustainable transportation network.
Failure to Act: The economic impact of current Investment Trends in surface ...Ports-To-Plains Blog
This report seeks to provide an objective analysis of the economic implications of the United States’ continued underinvestment in infrastructure. The Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, published every four years by the American Society of Civil Engineers, grades the current state of 15 national infrastructure categories on a scale from A through D for gradations of excellent to poor, and F for failing. This report answers the question “So what?” In terms of economic performance, what does a D mean? What does an F mean?
The document discusses infrastructure investments and the Forward Global Infrastructure Fund. It provides details on what constitutes infrastructure, the large amount of projected global infrastructure spending in the coming decades, and the benefits of infrastructure investments such as inelastic demand, low competition, and inflation-linked cash flows. The Forward Global Infrastructure Fund seeks total return through infrastructure-related securities globally from both developed and emerging markets.
The document discusses the importance of federal transportation funding to New York State and outlines key issues and priorities for the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. It notes that New York receives $3.3 billion annually in federal highway and transit funding, which supports around 400,000 jobs in the state. It expresses concerns that proposals in Congress may reduce funding levels by up to 30% and shift more costs to states. The document advocates maintaining at least current funding levels and New York's share of allocation formulas.
Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2012 Budget HighlightsPorts-To-Plains Blog
The Department of Transportation's FY 2012 budget highlights include:
- A total budget request of $129 billion, including a $556 billion six-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal.
- A $50 billion "Up-Front" economic boost to foster job creation by funding infrastructure projects.
- $5 billion requested to establish an Infrastructure Bank to leverage transportation funding through innovative financing.
- Major increases in funding for federal highway, transit, and passenger rail administration compared to FY 2010 levels.
THE $1.2 TRILLION BIDEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLANDesignTeam8
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $1.2 trillion for transportation, clean energy, broadband, and electric vehicles. This includes $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Rasky Partners and Park&K are connecting a gasoline retailer, EV infrastructure provider, and 5G company in the Northeast as a public-private partnership to apply for these grants. They will assist with partnership development, grant writing, relationship building in DC, and highlighting proposed projects to federal agencies.
The document summarizes how a shortfall in the federal Highway Trust Fund would significantly impact transportation project funding and construction in several US states. It provides examples from Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, and Connecticut where state departments of transportation rely heavily on federal funding and would be forced to delay or cancel numerous projects worth billions of dollars in the aggregate. This would negatively affect employment in the construction industry and the ability to improve and maintain roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure.
Managing California's Incremental Intercity Passenger Rail HSIPR in Support of the CHSR project. A survey of Caltrain Intercity rail corridor HSIPR and their 2025 Electrification Plan for Supporting CHSR Connectivity.
This document proposes expanding passenger train travel in Oregon through the Valley Railway Corp. It argues that investing in rail infrastructure would provide significant economic, social, and environmental benefits compared to continuing to rely primarily on automobile transportation. Specifically, the summary cites potential savings in transportation costs, job creation, reduced road maintenance expenses, and decreased pollution and wildlife impacts. The proposal claims that expanding rail options could save the state and local governments substantial resources while stimulating business opportunities through a more efficient and sustainable transportation network.
Failure to Act: The economic impact of current Investment Trends in surface ...Ports-To-Plains Blog
This report seeks to provide an objective analysis of the economic implications of the United States’ continued underinvestment in infrastructure. The Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, published every four years by the American Society of Civil Engineers, grades the current state of 15 national infrastructure categories on a scale from A through D for gradations of excellent to poor, and F for failing. This report answers the question “So what?” In terms of economic performance, what does a D mean? What does an F mean?
The document discusses infrastructure investments and the Forward Global Infrastructure Fund. It provides details on what constitutes infrastructure, the large amount of projected global infrastructure spending in the coming decades, and the benefits of infrastructure investments such as inelastic demand, low competition, and inflation-linked cash flows. The Forward Global Infrastructure Fund seeks total return through infrastructure-related securities globally from both developed and emerging markets.
The document discusses the importance of federal transportation funding to New York State and outlines key issues and priorities for the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. It notes that New York receives $3.3 billion annually in federal highway and transit funding, which supports around 400,000 jobs in the state. It expresses concerns that proposals in Congress may reduce funding levels by up to 30% and shift more costs to states. The document advocates maintaining at least current funding levels and New York's share of allocation formulas.
Audit of the Oregon Department of TransportationAmanda Lamb
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) faces challenges maintaining its workforce as experienced employees retire and projected workloads increase. A state audit found that ODOT needs better workforce planning to retain expertise as gas tax revenues decline and bond funding increases short-term workloads. The audit recommends ODOT identify critical skills, develop succession plans, and use training positions to transfer knowledge from experienced to less experienced staff. Without improvements, ODOT risks losing skills and oversight of construction projects could decrease quality and increase costs.
Looming Highway Trust Fund Crisis: Impact on State Transportation Programsartba
The document discusses how a shortfall in the federal Highway Trust Fund could impact state transportation programs and construction projects. It provides examples from several states (Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa) that describe how projects may be delayed or canceled if federal funding is uncertain or reduced. State transportation officials express concern about the funding crisis and uncertainty surrounding the Highway Trust Fund.
The document outlines various federal programs and resources that can provide financing for livable community projects including transit grants from the Federal Transit Administration, highway funds that can be flexible for transit projects, grants and loans from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Market Tax Credits, and Historic Preservation Tax Credits that can help finance different elements of projects from planning to construction. It emphasizes the importance of integrated planning to identify the right funding sources and ensure they work together effectively to support different components of livable community and transit initiatives.
The Ports-to-Plains Alliance is a non-profit advocacy group representing a 9-state, 2,300+ mile transportation corridor between Texas and Canada. It seeks to upgrade and modernize existing 2-lane highways that are inadequate for current and future needs. Improving the transportation network would boost safety, efficiency, energy development, and economic growth in America's agricultural and energy heartland. However, long-term funding is needed to address the Highway Trust Fund shortfall and preserve the national surface transportation system.
The Common Sense Policy Roundtable is a non-partisan organization that provides information to policymakers and future leaders. It researches and promotes common sense solutions to economic issues in Colorado. The document discusses Colorado's fiscal policy challenges from 2006 to 2010, including reliance on one-time funding sources, rising health care costs that crowd out other priorities, and growth in state personnel costs despite private sector job losses. It proposes reforms such as restoring fiscal restraint, reforming entitlement programs and personnel costs, enhancing revenues through tax reform, and improving government efficiency.
Armenia is highly dependent on energy imports due to a lack of domestic oil and gas reserves. The development of renewable energy is important to reduce this dependence on imports. Armenia has technical potential to generate renewable energy that could meet a significant portion of its energy needs. The government provides feed-in tariffs and a 15-year guaranteed purchase agreement for renewable energy producers to encourage renewable energy development.
Carolyn Flowers, executive director and CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), updates attendees at the 2011 Charlotte Chamber Transportation Summit.
The document discusses upcoming changes to federal transportation legislation. It notes that current federal surface transportation programs are set to expire on September 30, 2011. The House of Representatives passed a bill to extend these programs until March 31, 2012 at reduced funding levels compared to the previous year, while work continues on a longer term reauthorization. The Senate still needs to approve the extension. Additionally, a continuing resolution will be needed to fund transportation for the new fiscal year starting October 1st since relevant appropriations bills may not be passed by then.
This presentation provided an overview of the U.S. transportation market outlook. It discussed Onvia's background and services in identifying government business opportunities. It then summarized the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on transportation funding and projects. Finally, it outlined AASHTO's recommendations for long-term transportation funding levels through 2015 to restore purchasing power.
Connecticut River Valley Commuter Rail ProposalEric Nielsen
This document proposes a commuter rail system for the Connecticut River Valley between New
Hampshire and Vermont. It discusses relevant New Hampshire state issues including smart growth
principles, transportation infrastructure and assessments, and the need to establish a statewide public
transportation system. The document also assesses tourism planning and transportation goals for the
Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. The overall goals of the proposed commuter rail
project are to provide an alternative transportation option, improve transportation and land use
integration, develop an existing rail infrastructure, and reduce single-occupancy vehicles.
The document discusses decoupling policies that have been implemented in various U.S. states. Decoupling removes the relationship between utility revenues and sales volumes, allowing utilities to be compensated fairly regardless of energy sales fluctuations. Many states have adopted decoupling for electric and gas utilities to encourage conservation and energy efficiency. The document then provides details on specific decoupling programs and policies in place for utilities in different states.
1. The document describes a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students that focuses on investigating a key question or problem related to the students' interests through hands-on research.
2. Students will work collaboratively in groups to become experts on their chosen topics by researching global resources, conducting interviews or surveys, and connecting with experts in their fields.
3. The project will culminate in students presenting their findings and collaborating with others outside the school community to give the projects a real-world, global context.
This document outlines a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students called "Facing the Future: Shaping the Future". Students will investigate a key question or problem of shared interest related to areas like the environment, business, or fields of study. They will become experts on aspects of the topic through collaboration with others. The project aims to connect students to people and resources outside of school. It will involve hands-on research, use of web technologies, and culminate with students presenting their findings at a conference.
The document discusses the purpose of architectural design and how to judge successful architecture. It introduces topics like delighting and disturbing audiences, changing lives, outliving builders, providing shelter, responding to climate and culture, and serving societal functions. It asks questions about whether there is a distinct Australian style and if so, if it is relevant. When judging architecture, it suggests considering if the design fulfills its intended function, suits its environment and surroundings, and reflects stylistic forms that vary according to needs and available technologies. The document prompts readers for their personal opinions on these issues.
MLC Senior School aims to create a learning community focused on transforming learning. The document outlines the school's learning goals for 2008/9, including laboratory and enlightenment programs for years 9 and 10, and initiatives to promote student voice, leadership, and community service. It checks progress on goals and priorities, asking teachers what is working well, what further priorities they and their learning teams have, what they will do that term, and what immediate next steps they will take to continue improving learning. It emphasizes that the quality of an education system depends on the quality of its teachers.
1. The document describes a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students that focuses on investigating a key question or problem related to the students' interests through hands-on research.
2. Students will work collaboratively in groups to become experts on their chosen topics by researching global resources, conducting interviews or surveys, and connecting with experts in their fields.
3. The project will culminate in students presenting their findings and collaborating with others outside the school community to give the projects a real-world, global context.
The document discusses research on effective instructional strategies for gifted children. It finds that individualization strategies like non-graded classrooms, mentoring/tutoring, and credit for prior learning have substantial positive effects. Grouping gifted students by ability, including cluster grouping and full-time ability grouping, also significantly improves achievement. Acceleration strategies like grade skipping, early entrance to school, and subject acceleration positively impact gifted students' learning. The research suggests gifted students learn faster and benefit from more complex content, project-based learning, and time spent on higher-order thinking skills. Effective practices include an accelerated pace, compacting curricula, whole-to-part concept teaching, and daily challenge in students' talent areas.
The document outlines an "Experience Asia With Me" program created by Ms Migdanis that involves choosing an Asian destination to research and potentially visit. Some destination options mentioned include the Great Wall of China, the Silk Road, riding camels in sand dunes, seeing giant pandas in China, and visiting the Taj Mahal. Students would use tools like Google Earth to research their destination and do math activities related to distances, time conversions, and costs. They would then create a project using a format like a podcast, video, presentation, animation or online unit to share what they learned about their Asian destination.
This document outlines a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students called "Facing the Future: Shaping the Future". Students will investigate a key question or problem of shared interest related to areas like the environment, business, or fields of study. They will become experts on aspects of the topic through collaboration with others. The project aims to connect students to people and resources outside of school. It will involve hands-on research, use of web technologies, and culminate with students presenting their findings at a conference.
The document discusses the Age of Enlightenment, which originated in Europe in the 18th century and advocated reason as the primary source of authority. Key Enlightenment thinkers like Kant argued that people remain in a self-imposed immaturity by not using their own reason and relying on others to think for them. Enlightenment principles influenced declarations like the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man. However, these declarations initially only recognized rights for males and excluded women and slaves. The document argues that the Enlightenment still forms the basis of modern ideas around liberalism, tolerance, and documents like the UN Declaration of Human Rights. It then discusses how these Enlightenment ideas relate to 21st century
This document outlines the goals and priorities of MLC Senior School for the 2008/9 year. It discusses transforming learning, values, and learning goals for years 9-10 including laboratory, enlightenment, student voice, and leadership. It asks where the school is in relation to its goals, what is working well, and priorities for learning teams this term and tomorrow. It quotes that the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.
Chris Argyris is known for his theories on organizational learning and effectiveness. He coined the term "action science" which examines how people interact within organizations. Argyris developed theories of single-loop and double-loop learning, where single-loop focuses on techniques and double-loop leads to shifts in strategies and framing of consequences. Double-loop learning can be applied to school administration to promote organizational effectiveness through reviewing and changing practices. While the theory focuses on interactions, it can also support technology integration to enhance teaching and learning. However, the distinction between single and double-loop learning is sometimes vague.
Audit of the Oregon Department of TransportationAmanda Lamb
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) faces challenges maintaining its workforce as experienced employees retire and projected workloads increase. A state audit found that ODOT needs better workforce planning to retain expertise as gas tax revenues decline and bond funding increases short-term workloads. The audit recommends ODOT identify critical skills, develop succession plans, and use training positions to transfer knowledge from experienced to less experienced staff. Without improvements, ODOT risks losing skills and oversight of construction projects could decrease quality and increase costs.
Looming Highway Trust Fund Crisis: Impact on State Transportation Programsartba
The document discusses how a shortfall in the federal Highway Trust Fund could impact state transportation programs and construction projects. It provides examples from several states (Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa) that describe how projects may be delayed or canceled if federal funding is uncertain or reduced. State transportation officials express concern about the funding crisis and uncertainty surrounding the Highway Trust Fund.
The document outlines various federal programs and resources that can provide financing for livable community projects including transit grants from the Federal Transit Administration, highway funds that can be flexible for transit projects, grants and loans from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Market Tax Credits, and Historic Preservation Tax Credits that can help finance different elements of projects from planning to construction. It emphasizes the importance of integrated planning to identify the right funding sources and ensure they work together effectively to support different components of livable community and transit initiatives.
The Ports-to-Plains Alliance is a non-profit advocacy group representing a 9-state, 2,300+ mile transportation corridor between Texas and Canada. It seeks to upgrade and modernize existing 2-lane highways that are inadequate for current and future needs. Improving the transportation network would boost safety, efficiency, energy development, and economic growth in America's agricultural and energy heartland. However, long-term funding is needed to address the Highway Trust Fund shortfall and preserve the national surface transportation system.
The Common Sense Policy Roundtable is a non-partisan organization that provides information to policymakers and future leaders. It researches and promotes common sense solutions to economic issues in Colorado. The document discusses Colorado's fiscal policy challenges from 2006 to 2010, including reliance on one-time funding sources, rising health care costs that crowd out other priorities, and growth in state personnel costs despite private sector job losses. It proposes reforms such as restoring fiscal restraint, reforming entitlement programs and personnel costs, enhancing revenues through tax reform, and improving government efficiency.
Armenia is highly dependent on energy imports due to a lack of domestic oil and gas reserves. The development of renewable energy is important to reduce this dependence on imports. Armenia has technical potential to generate renewable energy that could meet a significant portion of its energy needs. The government provides feed-in tariffs and a 15-year guaranteed purchase agreement for renewable energy producers to encourage renewable energy development.
Carolyn Flowers, executive director and CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), updates attendees at the 2011 Charlotte Chamber Transportation Summit.
The document discusses upcoming changes to federal transportation legislation. It notes that current federal surface transportation programs are set to expire on September 30, 2011. The House of Representatives passed a bill to extend these programs until March 31, 2012 at reduced funding levels compared to the previous year, while work continues on a longer term reauthorization. The Senate still needs to approve the extension. Additionally, a continuing resolution will be needed to fund transportation for the new fiscal year starting October 1st since relevant appropriations bills may not be passed by then.
This presentation provided an overview of the U.S. transportation market outlook. It discussed Onvia's background and services in identifying government business opportunities. It then summarized the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on transportation funding and projects. Finally, it outlined AASHTO's recommendations for long-term transportation funding levels through 2015 to restore purchasing power.
Connecticut River Valley Commuter Rail ProposalEric Nielsen
This document proposes a commuter rail system for the Connecticut River Valley between New
Hampshire and Vermont. It discusses relevant New Hampshire state issues including smart growth
principles, transportation infrastructure and assessments, and the need to establish a statewide public
transportation system. The document also assesses tourism planning and transportation goals for the
Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. The overall goals of the proposed commuter rail
project are to provide an alternative transportation option, improve transportation and land use
integration, develop an existing rail infrastructure, and reduce single-occupancy vehicles.
The document discusses decoupling policies that have been implemented in various U.S. states. Decoupling removes the relationship between utility revenues and sales volumes, allowing utilities to be compensated fairly regardless of energy sales fluctuations. Many states have adopted decoupling for electric and gas utilities to encourage conservation and energy efficiency. The document then provides details on specific decoupling programs and policies in place for utilities in different states.
1. The document describes a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students that focuses on investigating a key question or problem related to the students' interests through hands-on research.
2. Students will work collaboratively in groups to become experts on their chosen topics by researching global resources, conducting interviews or surveys, and connecting with experts in their fields.
3. The project will culminate in students presenting their findings and collaborating with others outside the school community to give the projects a real-world, global context.
This document outlines a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students called "Facing the Future: Shaping the Future". Students will investigate a key question or problem of shared interest related to areas like the environment, business, or fields of study. They will become experts on aspects of the topic through collaboration with others. The project aims to connect students to people and resources outside of school. It will involve hands-on research, use of web technologies, and culminate with students presenting their findings at a conference.
The document discusses the purpose of architectural design and how to judge successful architecture. It introduces topics like delighting and disturbing audiences, changing lives, outliving builders, providing shelter, responding to climate and culture, and serving societal functions. It asks questions about whether there is a distinct Australian style and if so, if it is relevant. When judging architecture, it suggests considering if the design fulfills its intended function, suits its environment and surroundings, and reflects stylistic forms that vary according to needs and available technologies. The document prompts readers for their personal opinions on these issues.
MLC Senior School aims to create a learning community focused on transforming learning. The document outlines the school's learning goals for 2008/9, including laboratory and enlightenment programs for years 9 and 10, and initiatives to promote student voice, leadership, and community service. It checks progress on goals and priorities, asking teachers what is working well, what further priorities they and their learning teams have, what they will do that term, and what immediate next steps they will take to continue improving learning. It emphasizes that the quality of an education system depends on the quality of its teachers.
1. The document describes a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students that focuses on investigating a key question or problem related to the students' interests through hands-on research.
2. Students will work collaboratively in groups to become experts on their chosen topics by researching global resources, conducting interviews or surveys, and connecting with experts in their fields.
3. The project will culminate in students presenting their findings and collaborating with others outside the school community to give the projects a real-world, global context.
The document discusses research on effective instructional strategies for gifted children. It finds that individualization strategies like non-graded classrooms, mentoring/tutoring, and credit for prior learning have substantial positive effects. Grouping gifted students by ability, including cluster grouping and full-time ability grouping, also significantly improves achievement. Acceleration strategies like grade skipping, early entrance to school, and subject acceleration positively impact gifted students' learning. The research suggests gifted students learn faster and benefit from more complex content, project-based learning, and time spent on higher-order thinking skills. Effective practices include an accelerated pace, compacting curricula, whole-to-part concept teaching, and daily challenge in students' talent areas.
The document outlines an "Experience Asia With Me" program created by Ms Migdanis that involves choosing an Asian destination to research and potentially visit. Some destination options mentioned include the Great Wall of China, the Silk Road, riding camels in sand dunes, seeing giant pandas in China, and visiting the Taj Mahal. Students would use tools like Google Earth to research their destination and do math activities related to distances, time conversions, and costs. They would then create a project using a format like a podcast, video, presentation, animation or online unit to share what they learned about their Asian destination.
This document outlines a Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for Year 10 students called "Facing the Future: Shaping the Future". Students will investigate a key question or problem of shared interest related to areas like the environment, business, or fields of study. They will become experts on aspects of the topic through collaboration with others. The project aims to connect students to people and resources outside of school. It will involve hands-on research, use of web technologies, and culminate with students presenting their findings at a conference.
The document discusses the Age of Enlightenment, which originated in Europe in the 18th century and advocated reason as the primary source of authority. Key Enlightenment thinkers like Kant argued that people remain in a self-imposed immaturity by not using their own reason and relying on others to think for them. Enlightenment principles influenced declarations like the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man. However, these declarations initially only recognized rights for males and excluded women and slaves. The document argues that the Enlightenment still forms the basis of modern ideas around liberalism, tolerance, and documents like the UN Declaration of Human Rights. It then discusses how these Enlightenment ideas relate to 21st century
This document outlines the goals and priorities of MLC Senior School for the 2008/9 year. It discusses transforming learning, values, and learning goals for years 9-10 including laboratory, enlightenment, student voice, and leadership. It asks where the school is in relation to its goals, what is working well, and priorities for learning teams this term and tomorrow. It quotes that the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.
Chris Argyris is known for his theories on organizational learning and effectiveness. He coined the term "action science" which examines how people interact within organizations. Argyris developed theories of single-loop and double-loop learning, where single-loop focuses on techniques and double-loop leads to shifts in strategies and framing of consequences. Double-loop learning can be applied to school administration to promote organizational effectiveness through reviewing and changing practices. While the theory focuses on interactions, it can also support technology integration to enhance teaching and learning. However, the distinction between single and double-loop learning is sometimes vague.
Residents on the south side of Old Lancaster Road between Daylesford Station and Conestoga Road requested that the township shift the planned sidewalk project 3 feet to the north ("Yard for a Yard" proposal) to minimize the impact on their properties. They argued that shifting the design north would save mature landscaping and reduce the loss of driveway space and property easement, while having little impact on pedestrians or north side residents. The residents pledged to help maintain the sidewalks and landscaping if the township implemented their compromise proposal.
The document analyzes recurring images in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby. It lists images of color, eyes, the landscape, characters, sunlight and shadows, death, and time that are referenced repeatedly throughout the novel. These recurring images include gold, white, green, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, owls eyes, a wasteland landscape of ashes, the careless and destructive behaviors of characters, and the themes of both the irreversible passage of time and man's inability to recapture the past.
The Hawthorne Effect refers to when individuals modify or improve an aspect of their behavior simply in response to being observed, not because of any experimental manipulation. Even the control group in experiments may experience changes just from knowing they are part of a study. During a study at the Hawthorne electric plant, production increased regardless of whether the lighting was brighter or dimmer, likely due to the Hawthorne Effect. Experimenter bias and other confounding variables like placebo effects can also influence experimental results without the researcher's awareness. Correlational research shows relationships between variables but cannot prove causation. Survey, naturalistic observation, case studies and other common research methods have limitations and do not demonstrate causality.
The document discusses various theories of motivation put forth by thinkers such as Maslow, Drucker, Likert, Taylor, Argyris, Herzberg, McClelland, and McGregor. Herzberg's theory identified hygiene factors like pay, status, security and company policies as well as motivation factors such as achievement, recognition, growth and interest in one's job.
1. The document discusses several social psychologists and their theories related to human motivation and leadership, including Maslow, McGregor, Likert, and Argyris.
2. Maslow developed a hierarchy of human needs from basic physiological needs to higher needs of esteem and self-actualization. McGregor proposed Theory X and Theory Y about management assumptions regarding employee motivation and control.
3. Likert described four patterns of management from exploitative to participative. Argyris studied that classical organization models promoted employee "immaturity" while maturity involved greater independence, interests, and self-awareness.
Managers act as translators to help staff understand organizational strategy and create aligned actions. They first ensure staff understands the strategic direction and key issues. Managers then help staff bridge the gap between current reality and the vision by focusing on a few important milestone projects with synergy and alignment to build momentum and capacity. The process is ongoing, with strategy dynamically adjusted through measuring the right outcomes and holding people accountable.
This document provides a history and analysis of intercity passenger rail service in the United States, with a focus on Amtrak's financial performance. It discusses how passenger rail declined in the early-to-mid 20th century as automobiles and airplanes rose in popularity. Congress established Amtrak in 1971 to operate passenger rail after private companies could no longer support the services financially. While intended to be profitable, Amtrak has never achieved profitability and relies on government subsidies. There is ongoing debate around Amtrak's goals and whether it should focus more on being financially self-sufficient or providing transportation as a public service.
As New Federal Fiscal Year Begins, the Clock
Ticks Toward Another Highway Trust Fund Crisis
Coalition Officials Continue Focus on
Transportation Funding, Long-Term Legislation
The Pros And Cons Of The American Civil WarMichelle Love
The US transportation system consists of various interconnected modes like aviation, rail, highways, transit, and pipelines that move billions of passengers and goods annually. It is made up of seven subsectors or modes including aviation, highways, maritime, rail, transit, pipelines, and postal. Ensuring the safety, security, and resilience of this critical infrastructure is important for the nation's economy and way of life.
In this you are to use the same corporation.docxwrite4
Amtrak is a passenger railroad service corporation in the United States that was founded in 1971. It operates over 300 trains daily on more than 20,000 miles of track covering 45 states and 3 Canadian provinces. Amtrak has seen impacts from globalization and technology, including the development of high-speed trains with speeds up to 150 mph. It utilizes a resource-based revenue model through ticket sales, track ownership, and state funding to generate $3.4 billion in revenue in 2018. Amtrak's mission is to provide efficient and effective passenger rail service as an alternative to other modes of transportation.
In this you are to use the same corporation.docxwrite30
Amtrak is a passenger rail service corporation in the United States that was founded in 1971. It operates over 300 trains daily on more than 20,000 miles of track in 46 states and 3 Canadian provinces, carrying around 30 million passengers annually. Amtrak has pioneered high-speed rail technology, with some trains reaching speeds up to 150 miles per hour. It aims to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly intercity passenger rail transportation according to its mission and vision statements. Amtrak's key stakeholders include customers, employees, partner railroads, and state governments that provide funding.
This document summarizes the key points made by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association in testimony to the Senate Finance Committee on funding and financing highways and transit. It notes that the Highway Trust Fund faces a significant long-term revenue shortfall and will be unable to support new investment starting in 2015 without additional funding sources. It reviews options like cutting funding, supplementing the trust fund with general revenues, or generating new revenues through gas tax increases or other user fees. The testimony emphasizes the importance of transportation infrastructure to the economy and jobs and argues that devolving responsibility to states would lead to underinvestment given the national benefits of federal surface programs.
Final Project RubricCriteria Exceeds Standards Meets Standar.docxvoversbyobersby
Final Project Rubric
Criteria
Exceeds Standards
Meets Standards
Developing
Points
Project Naming, Organization, and Submission
Project named correctly, subdirectories are used to organize the files associated with the project, and project submitted per instructions.
Project not named as requested, files not organized in subdirectories effectively, or project not submitted per instructions.
5
Site Hierarchy
All required pages are located correctly according to hierarchical structure given.
Some required pages are not located correctly according to hierarchical structure given.
5
Color Palate and Fonts
Color scheme and font styles represent the conservative company scenario, are consistently applied, and not under or over used
Color scheme and/or font styles do not represent the conservative company scenario and/or include too much or too little variation
10
Graphics
Graphics are included and are appropriately and consistently formatted, sized and implemented. Branding is present and consistent across the site.
Graphics are included, but are inappropriately and/or inconsistently formatted, sized and implemented. Branding is not consistently across site.
10
Navigation Functionality
All navigational links work as expected.
One or more navigational link is coded incorrectly.
10
Main Page
CSS used extensively to professionally style site. Advanced understanding of various types of selector rules and more advanced CSS properties.
Includes content, functionality, navigational components, branding and footer information requested; internal documentation included; titled appropriately.
Files validate per HTML5 and CSS standards.
CSS used extensively to professionally style the site. A clear understanding of best practices in the formation of rules is demonstrated.
Includes requested content, functionality, navigational components, branding and footer information requested; internal documentation included; titled appropriately.
Files validate per HTML5 and CSS standards.
CSS is used to style the site, but student does not demonstrate full understanding of rule selection/formation and relies on only the more basic CSS properties.
Includes most content, functionality, navigational components, branding and footer information requested; internal documentation not always present; not titled appropriately.
10
About Us Page & Subtopic Pages
20
Services Page
10
Contact Page & Subtopic Page
15
Accessibility
All pages provide full use of accessibility features to accommodate all users.
All pages include some accessibility features to accommodate all users.
Some pages include some accessibility features to accommodate all users.
5
TOTAL
Total Score:
/100
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http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/opinion/gail-collins-lets-do-some-railing.html?_r=0 1/4
http://nyti.ms/1HNyAFu
The Opinion Pages | O P - E D C O L U M N I S T
Let’s Do Some Railing
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Gail Collins ...
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The Amtrak Funding Debate:
1. The Amtrak Funding Debate:
Why Amtrak Should Continue To
Receive Federal Subsidies
Adam R. Schott
BUS 378.01
2. Amtrak Funding Debate 2
In February 2005, President George W. Bush announced that his Fiscal Year 2006
Budget for the United States would include no funding for Amtrak - the only intercity
passenger railroad in the nation. This paper will analyze the implications of eliminating
federal subsidization of Amtrak from the perspective of the business-government-society
relationship.
Background
Amtrak’s official name is the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; it was
created by Congress in 1970 “to take over the money-losing passenger rail service
previously operated by private freight railroad companies” (Amtrak Website, 2005). The
idea was that “it would rapidly become a for-profit, self-sustaining entity” (“No Way to
Run a Railroad”, 2005). In its thirty-year life, Amtrak has received over $30 billion in
federal subsidies, compared to $1.89 trillion to air and highway modes. Amtrak is
dependent on these subsidies and “is constantly threatened by under-investment, lack of a
clearly articulated federal rail policy, and an uncertain future” (Amtrak Website, 2005).
Business – Government Relationship
No intercity passenger rail system in the world operates without some form of
government subsidization (Amtrak Website, 2005). European passenger rail systems,
though much smaller, receive much more government support. The British government
invests over $14.5 billion in the British Rail System (“The Amtrak Funding Scandal”,
2005). The most Amtrak has ever received from the government is $1.6 billion in fiscal
years 1998 through 2000 (“No Way to Run a Railroad”, 2005). See Appendix A
3. Amtrak Funding Debate 3
Congress created the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to ensure that there
would be an intercity passenger railroad; yet it does not commit the necessary resources to
allow it to succeed. Now the President wants t intentionally send it into bankruptcy.
o
As Sarkar states, “federal subsidies account for $1.2 billion of Amtrak’s overall
budget of $3 billion this fiscal year. Without it, the company – already saddled with $3.8
billion in debt – would be forced into bankruptcy, leaving courts to decide how to
restructure it” (2005).
President Bush and Norman Y. Mineta, the United States Secretary of
Transportation, allege that Amtrak has not made significant progress towards financial
independence and stability and has not kept up with the times (Mineta, 2005). In Railway
Age, Mineta is quoted as calling the zero-funding proposal “a wake-up call” for Congress
to address a system that “cannot even support the existing service, much less expand in the
way that it needs to.” He also said that Amtrak is “dying, and everyone knows it”
(“Amtrak under siege”, 2005).
In his February 2005 Annual Report to Congress, David M. Laney, the Chairman of
the Board of Directors of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, rebuts that Amtrak
has made significant progress in recent years.
Under the leadership of David Gunn, Amtrak is finally headed toward greater
financial independence and profitability. Since May 2002, when he took over as President
and CEO of Amtrak, Gunn has made the following changes:
The development of accounting and financial reporting systems
A reduction in personnel by almost 5,000
The development of a detailed and prioritized five-year capital plan focused
on restoring the Northeast Corridor to necessary levels of reliability and
safety, and on restoration of an aging fleet of rolling stock used throughout
the system
Termination of the mail and express operatio n
Elimination or truncation of three long-distance routes
4. Amtrak Funding Debate 4
No new borrowings, and the scheduled repayment of the $100 million
Department of Transportation loan over a five year period begun in 2004
Increased ridership from 22.5 million in 2000 to 25.1 million in 2004
Containment of the cash operating requirement at or below $570 million
(Laney, 2005)
Laney also points out that sending Amtrak into bankruptcy will have the exact
opposite effect that Bush and Mineta desire. He states:
Needed reforms will likely result in higher front-end restructuring costs.
(Route elimination, for instance, will often incur substantially greater labor-
related costs in the early years than would route continuation; but such costs
can be carefully phased and managed.) And for passenger rail to have any
chance of succeeding under Amtrak’s auspices or in others’ hands,
legislative action is essential to remove constraints that will otherwise
permanently undercut its performance in an increasingly competitive
environment. (2005)
Progress at Amtrak
The five-year capital investment program has been instrumental in reducing
operating costs and making Amtrak more efficient and is the key to Amtrak’s future
progress; but it cannot continue without adequate funding. The following excerpts from
David L. Gunn’s memo to David M. Laney highlight how the plan has Amtrak heading on
the track to success:
The capital program is grounded in a “production line” approach to ensure
plant and equipment are rebuilt making the most efficient use of labor and
materials, rather than the previous approach of repairing assets as they fail. In
spite of the challenges inherent in ramping up such a program from essentially
nothing and with less federal funding than needed to meet the plan, we have
made steady progress in rebuilding plant and equipment …
…Amtrak has contained its operating costs and operating cash subsidy
requirements for two straight years – in spite of inflationary pressures in health
care, fuel prices and other areas. In fact, our core operating expenses were
slightly lower in FY04 than they were in FY00. We have done this while
covering over $250 million per year in debt service from earlier borrowing and
without assuming any new debt…
Amtrak’s decision to exit the mail and express business … removed a number
of road locomotives and switch engines from service, thus lowering
maintenance costs. (2005)
5. Amtrak Funding Debate 5
National Outcry: The Government – Society Relationship
The Bush Administration plans on reintroducing the Passenger Rail Investment
Reform Act, which Congress voted down in 2003 (“Amtrak under siege”, 2005). This act
transfers Amtrak funding from the federal government to the states. Under the plan, the
federal government would help out state governments – up to 50% of the funding – but
only to states that come up with their share (“Amtrak under siege”, 2005).
Senators from all over the nation are outraged at the Bush Administration’s Amtrak
plans. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois told the Chicago Tribune “The most basic inquiry
would have told the Administration that the State of Illinois is not in a position to pickup
the subsidy of Amtrak: (“Amtrak under siege”, 2005). New Jersey Senator Frank
Lautenberg decried “President Bush is willing to spend billions to send a couple of people
to Mars, but not one dime for Amtrak’s 25 million annual travelers, who want better rail
service to destinations on this planet” (“Amtrak under siege”, 2005).
Minnesota Representative Jim Oberstar said of the budget: “Never have I seen one
so harsh or crass as this…It would cause widespread disruption and hardship” (“US
House”, 2005).
Senators Robert Byrd, Hillary Clinton, Edward M. Kennedy, and John F. Kennedy
co-sponsored an amendment to the 2006 budget bill that would provide Amtrak with $1.4
billion to save it from bankruptcy (“Senator Clinton”, 2005 / Wirzbicki, 2005).
Unfortunately the amendment failed in a 52-46 vote (Bush, 2005). It is now up to the
House of Representatives to restore this crucial funding.
6. Amtrak Funding Debate 6
Business – Society Relationship
Amtrak provides a valuable service to many states and communities. The railroad
provides jobs and tourist revenue to the cities it serves. It also allows citizens to travel from
city-to-city for much less than an airline and in less time than a bus service.
Over twenty-five million passengers rode on Amtrak in 2003 and 2004.
Approximately sixty-eight thousand passengers travel on Amtrak daily (Amtrak Website).
Appendix B shows how many people used the twenty busiest Amtrak stations in fiscal year
2004.
Senator Hillary Clinton points out that losing Amtrak would have a devastating
effect on New York. “Amtrak is an essential component of our transportation network that
provides irreplaceable capacity and mobility to New York and the nation. / Slashing
Amtrak’s federal funding would eliminate critical rail service to millions of New Yorkers
and others who ride our rails. It would throw our commuter rail lines into chaos and would
have catastrophic economic consequences for the state and the region” (“Senator Clinton”,
2005).
Massachusetts residents are also concerned about the fate of Amtrak - they depend
on the high-speed Acella Express for travel to New York and Washington (Ross, 2005).
As Ross states: “Despite troubles with delays, millions of people use the services every
year and would be forced to rely on increasingly crowded buses and air travel” (2005).
Losing Amtrak in California would undermine the economies that have been built
around the stations that serve 9.3 million passengers a year (Sarkar, 2005).
Amtrak’s growth is not just in the major cities “but also on long-distance trains that
serve hundreds of cities and rural communities” (Parcells, 2005)
7. Amtrak Funding Debate 7
According to the Louisiana Association of Railroad Passengers, “Amtrak employed
a total of 363 Louisiana residents and 102 Mississippi residents over the course of the year,
with a payroll of $18,804,934, while spending a total of $5 million for Louisiana and
Mississippi goods and services” (“La. rail passenger group”, 2005). If Amtrak is forced
into bankruptcy these jobs, and the revenue generated as a result of rail travel in
Mississippi and Louisiana will likely be lost.
Eliminating federal funding for Amtrak would severely hurt communities in
Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Arkansas Representative Marion Berry states that
“Infrastructure is the lifeblood of rural America. We cannot expect to eliminate
transportation options for growing areas of this country and expect their economies to
continue to expand” (“Proposed Cut”, 2005).
The job of the federal government is “to promote the general Welfare”
(Constitution of the United States of America, Preamble, 1787) – that is, to ensure that the
needs of its citizens are met. In the case of intercity rail transit this is done through the
National Railroad Passenger Corporation, a government agency that took over for private
railroads that were losing money. Congress had hoped that Amtrak could be completely
privatized but this is not the case: It depends on government subsidies to continue
operations.
The job of private business is to make a profit, to increase shareholder wealth, and
to act in the best interest of stakeholders. There is no privately owned intercity passenger
railroad system any more because none could be operated profitably.
It is very clear that this country needs a national intercity rail system. If the federal
government does cut all funding for Amtrak, it will not be serving the best interests of its
citizens and will jeopardize the welfare of many communities and regions.
8. Amtrak Funding Debate 8
As Liz Boyd, spokeswoman for Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, states “our
hope is that Congress would also recognize the economic and quality-of-life value of
interstate rail” (Heming, 2005). It is very doubtful that a private business will take over
intercity passenger rail service should Amtrak disappear. Congress must commit to
funding Amtrak – it is the socially responsible thing to do.
10. Amtrak Funding Debate 10
APPENDIX B
Top Twenty Busiest Amtrak Stations, 2004
Rank Code City/Station Boardings Alightings Total
1 NYP New York, NY 4,367,553 4,356,679 8,724,232
2 WAS Washington, DC 1,888,459 1,856,251 3,744,710
3 PHL Philadelphia, PA 1,844,887 1,845,733 3,690,620
4 CHI Chicago, IL 1,179,955 1,166,793 2,346,748
5 NWK Newark, NJ 684,050 693,004 1,377,054
6 LAX Los Angeles, CA 644,845 641,077 1,285,922
7 TRE Trenton, NJ 499,399 519,388 1,108,787
8 BOS Boston, MA 488,912 498,000 986,912
9 PJC Princeton Jct., NJ 449,608 482,653 932,261
10 BAL Baltimore, MD 455,059 463,565 918,624
11 SAC Sacramento, CA 443,827 427,571 871,398
12 SAN San Diego, CA 398,720 381,575 780,295
13 WIL Wilmington, DE 372,104 376,275 748,379
14 ALB Albany-Rensselaer, NY 323,160 325,579 648,739
15 NHV New Haven, CT 309,268 308,370 617,638
16 BWI BWI Airport, MD 296,466 293,854 590,610
17 SEA Seattle, WA 299,466 290,575 590,610
18 PVD Providence, RI 239,209 245,305 484,514
19 IRV Irvine, CA 236,090 238,035 474,125
20 EMY Emeryville, CA 237,766 233,545 471,311
(Source: Amtrak Website)
11. Amtrak Funding Debate 11
WORKS CITED
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<http://www.amtrak.com>
“Amtrak Facts.” Amtrak Website. <http://www.amtrak.com> Accessed 28 March, 2005.
“The Amtrak Funding Scandal.” The Travel Insider.
<http://www.thetravelinsider.info/2002/0628.htm> Accessed 6 April, 2005
“Amtrak Under Siege – Again.” Railway Age. March 2005, 19.
Bush, Rudolf. “Senate Blocks $1 Billion To Fund Amtrak.” Chicago Tribune. 17 Mar.
2005 <http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/>. Accessed 4/9/2005.
Heming, Julia. “Bush wants to shift Amtrak funding to states.” The Michigan Daily. 22
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<http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/23mineta.html>
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Accessed 25 Feb. 2005
Ross, Casey. “Bush plan off track: Cuts may derail Amtrak.” BostonHerald.com. 24 Feb.
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Sarkar, Pia. “Riding the rails: Amtrak has its fans, but Bush wants to cut the budget again.”
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bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/02/05/BUGJUBGM861.DTL> Accessed 25 Feb. 2005.
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Accessed 25 Feb. 2005.
Wirzbicki, Alan. “Democrats’ bid to save Amtrak funding loses steam in Senate: Effort to
restore federal dollars fails by close vote:” The Boston Globe.
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