Video & Transcript Research : 'parkways'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Mar 3rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- I also want to highlight a $200 million authorization we filed for a new Parkway Resilience, Improvement
- We are also really encouraged by the $200 million for the Parkway Resilience Improvement and Safety Modernization
- Program to support DCR assets, trails, bikeways, parkways, and bridges.
Keywords:
transportation bond bill, municipal roads, municipal bridges, Chapter 90, road aid, highway funding, bridge repair, pavement, MassDOT, MBTA, rail reliability, commuter rail locomotives, Fair Share surtax, Commonwealth Transportation Fund, infrastructure financing, bond authorization, deferred maintenance, climate resilience, parkways, DCR
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the Healey-Driscoll administration’s transportation bond bill centered on long-term municipal road and bridge funding. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue Chapter 90 at $300 million per year for four years, with $100 million allocated by road miles, and also authorize funds for accelerated bridge and pavement work, municipal pavement and Shared Streets and Spaces programs, housing-related transportation improvements, DCR parkway and bridge resilience work, and MBTA rail modernization and reliability. They emphasized that the proposal is backed by Commonwealth Transportation Fund revenues, including registry fees, gas tax, and Fair Share surtax revenue, and said the bill would support local planning, affordability, housing production, and regional rail/electrification efforts.
Committee members and the administration discussed the bill’s housing-related $200 million transportation authorization and the MBTA’s $200 million rail modernization funding, including questions about how flexible those funds would be and how they would support electrification and regional rail. Officials said the housing funds would be kept broad to address transportation barriers that block development, and that the rail money would support locomotive procurements, reliability, and future electrification work, including the Fairmount and Providence corridors and other lines. One member raised concerns about the fiscal outlook and whether a four-year authorization was prudent given possible revenue pressures, but administration witnesses responded that the funding is capital bond authority tied to dedicated transportation revenues rather than operating funds.
Municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association strongly supported the bill, saying Chapter 90 is essential for predictable local road and bridge maintenance and that the road-mile-based allocation improves equity for smaller and rural communities. Testimony from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth highlighted how the increased funding and multi-year certainty would help towns plan projects, bundle work, and address backlogs, culverts, sidewalks, and resilience needs more efficiently. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to use the bond bill to advance broader transportation policy changes and new revenue tools, including electrification timelines, procurement reforms, and possible updates to TNC and other transportation fees. The committee took no vote and adjourned after testimony concluded.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 06:35 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- the bill, and we would add a proviso to it that, in essence, would state that nothing requires the Parkway
- Authority to... ...requires the Parkway Authority to read every plate.
- I think we heard from Parkway Authority that even though this amendment would not require them to look
- Samuel, Chief Financial Officer for the Parkways Authority. Welcome back, Samuel.
- So how do you let the Parkways Authority know you're going to drive your wife's car?
Summary:
The Senate Infrastructure Committee first returned to engrossed House Bill 4419, which would require the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings and give notice before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would allow legislative auditing of related revenues and sinking funds. The committee debated two amendments related to E-ZPass transponders: one from the Senator from Jefferson to clarify that the Parkway Authority would not be required to read every plate failed on a 4-4 tie, and one from the Senator from Wetzel to codify a restriction on transferring single-fee transponders between vehicles was rejected after discussion with counsel and the Parkways Authority about current policy, convenience for users, and possible effects on the bill. The committee then approved a motion to send HB 4419 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance, and a separate motion to send it to Finance passed.
The committee also considered engrossed House Bill 4563, on which Senator Randolph moved for a second reference to Finance because of fiscal concerns. After discussion of the newly filed fiscal note and the bill’s potential revenue impact, that motion failed by a 4-5 division vote. The committee then voted to report HB 4563 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for failing to obey traffic control instructions or speeding in construction and work zones, and also references penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Counsel noted the bill’s possible overlap with existing vehicular homicide penalties and that it had no fiscal note. Jason Pizzitella of the Contractors Association testified in support, emphasizing work-zone safety and recent fatalities, while senators from Fayette, Randolph, and Jefferson also supported the bill and discussed the need to protect workers and drivers. The committee adopted a motion to report HB 4538 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and then adjourned.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 06:35 pm
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we heard from Parkway Authority that even though this amendment would not require them to look
- At the appropriate time, I'd like to ask somebody from the Parkways Authority to discuss the amendment
- Samuel, Chief Financial Officer for the Parkways Authority. Welcome back, Samuel.
- So how do you let the Parkways Authority know you're going to drive your wife's car? Oh, you...
- So how do you let the Parkways Authority know you're going to drive your wife's car?
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Transportation (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Rogers Parkway, sponsored by Representative John Blanton.
- Rogers Parkway is a very simple piece of legislation.
- Parkway Parkway not Parkway sponsored by Parkway Parkway not Parkway sponsored by representative<00:12
- Rogers Parkway is a very simple piece of legislation.
- more miles of this Parkway more miles of this Parkway uh<00:14:30.079>
from <00:14:30.560>
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from its previous meeting. It then considered several transportation-related bills, beginning with House Bill 157 on special license plates. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would create a commercial Friends of Agriculture plate to support agriculture-related programs, with proceeds going to the same fund used by the existing farm tag. Members also discussed the committee substitute’s fee exemptions for military-related plates, and the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached.
The committee next took up House Bill 682 on utility relocation. Testimony from Charter Communications explained that the bill would update outdated law so cable and broadband providers are treated like public utilities for reimbursement when forced to relocate facilities for highway projects, while preserving the Transportation Cabinet’s discretion over reimbursements. Members asked about the current reimbursement process and fiscal impact; witnesses said the bill does not change cabinet discretion and therefore has no fiscal note. The bill was reported favorably.
House Bill 443, which would shift the east end signage of the H. Rogers Parkway farther east to US 23 in Prestonsburg to reflect the already four-laned section and support future federal funding efforts, also received favorable expression. House Bill 444, a commercial driver’s licensing measure brought by the Transportation Cabinet and amended by committee substitute, would align Kentucky reporting requirements with federal law and allow drivers age 18 and older to qualify for a hazardous materials endorsement, with limits excluding school buses and interstate transport. Members discussed the safety rationale and the need for drivers in agriculture and propane delivery; the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 493 on towing and storage of motor vehicles. Representative Pollock and a Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance witness described it as a cleanup bill aimed at transparency and enforcement against predatory towing and inflated charges, and members noted constituent concerns about towing practices. The bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute attached. The committee also reviewed Administrative Regulation 600 KAR 1:041, which updates disadvantaged business enterprise certification rules to conform to federal nomenclature and related federal changes; the regulation was reviewed without further action.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Mobile County Legislation Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Mobile County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- that that might be having to do with Brookley because they already have an existing Dolphin Island Parkway
- where they have one on Dolphin Island Parkway near Brooklyn.
- where they have one on Dolphin >> Parkway where they have one on Dolphin Island<00:05:20.479><
- c> Parkway<00:05:20.960>
near <00:05:21.199>Brooklyn. - Island Parkway near Brooklyn. Yes, sir. Island Parkway near Brooklyn. Yes, sir.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- A 10-year lease for a park space or parkway usage does not public usage, but for commercial purposes,
- I mean, a 10-year lease of land or parkway that's identified on...
- It comes off of the parkway, DCR parkway, into a site that’s owned by the, no, largely by the UMass building
- So the DCR parkways or the area that you're talking about is held for public recreation purposes.
- A parkway for a public recreation purpose. Or a roadway, you know, inside of...
Summary:
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held an oversight hearing on draft regulations implementing Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution under Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, the Open Space Act. Chairs Cabral and Collins framed the hearing as a review of how the new process for dispositions or changes in use of Article 97 land would work, including public notice, environmental justice protections, replacement land, appraisals, and the role of the legislature. Under Secretary Stephanie Cooper and Commissioner Adam Bakke testified for EEA/DCAM, followed later by Deputy Inspector General O’Neill and Deputy Inspector General Giles on appraisal review.
Much of the discussion focused on how the draft regulations would operate in practice. EEA said the regulations would require advance public notice, define “comparable location” for replacement land, and allow the Secretary to make findings on whether an action would adversely affect environmental justice communities. Members pressed for longer public comment periods, clearer notice to local officials, more frequent updates to the site evaluation tool, and a clearer definition of terms such as “limited duration” for permits and licenses. EEA said the regulations are intended to standardize a process that has been handled through policy and case-by-case review, and that the legislature still retains the final authority to approve any Article 97 disposition.
Committee members also questioned whether the draft rules shift too much discretion to the Secretary and whether the proposed “proponent” process could allow private entities to drive Article 97 actions. EEA responded that non-public proponents would still need municipal support and legislative sponsorship, and that the regulations do not create a new avenue to bypass the existing home rule and legislative process. Members raised concerns about the current policy’s unanimous-vote requirements for municipal commissions, the proposed waiver provisions, whether MEPA applies, and the lack of explicit enforcement or penalty language in the act or regulations. EEA and DCAM said the act does not provide an enforcement mechanism and that disputes would generally be handled through the courts or the Attorney General.
The Inspector General’s office explained its role in reviewing appraisals for special legislation, including Article 97 matters, to ensure compliance with USPAP standards and to forward its review to DCAM. The hearing did not include any votes or formal committee action; members indicated that the committee may later issue recommendations to the executive agencies based on the testimony and questions raised.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Including Fort Bend Parkway, the West Parkway, Grand Parkway, as shown by the gentleman.
- The interconnection of Grand Parkway segments B and C in Brazoria connects with Fort Bend County, which
- It was always contemplated to go from the county line down to the Grand Parkway or the future Grand Parkway
- Harris County residents have expressed. ...strong opposition to the idea of tolling Fairmount Parkway
- East between Beltway 8 and the Grand Parkway East to Highway 99.
Bills:
HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263
Keywords:
healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- But then, for the spending for the parkways to remain with DCR, I see $176 million, and I appreciate
- the difficulties it is to get projects done for these parkways, but I'm just wondering that that $176
- ... ...some other revenue source or money that you're looking at that can be spent towards those parkways
- know, or may know, the partnership between DCR and MassDOT on the maintenance and upkeep of these parkways
- This figure represents the parkways portion of that $1 billion deferred maintenance backlog.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on S.2542, the Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at climate resilience, water infrastructure, conservation, and related permitting reforms. Secretary Rebecca Tepper and administration officials described the bill’s major investments in flood control, coastal resilience, DCR roads/bridges/dams and parks, drinking water and wastewater upgrades, PFAS remediation, land conservation, food security infrastructure, and expanded Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness funding. They also explained proposed streamlining measures for environmental permitting, flood risk disclosures, a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, and a new Resilience Revolving Fund to provide low-cost financing for municipal resilience projects. Committee members asked about affordability, useful life of projects, how the revolving fund would be capitalized, and how the bill would help communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, and coastal towns; officials said the fund would initially use existing trust resources, not new fees, and could later support special obligation bonds once it has a track record.
Several witnesses supported the bill but urged larger authorizations or additional provisions. Boston Harbor Now asked for more funding for MVP and the state’s resilient coast plan, and supported permitting reforms for nature-based and hybrid solutions. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance urged inclusion of drought-management language from separate bills, plus a statewide flood buyout program and a water reuse commission. Green Roots called for dedicated funding for outdoor and indoor air quality monitoring and indoor air quality improvements, especially in environmental justice communities affected by traffic and airport pollution. Conservation and forestry advocates requested more funding for urban tree canopy, local nurseries, and workforce training, while also raising concerns about PFAS impacts and the need for clearer municipal reforestation language.
Agriculture and water infrastructure groups focused on food security and drinking water needs. The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership and the Mass Food System Collaborative backed the food security infrastructure grant program and farmland protection funding, warning that the program needs continued support in fiscal 2027 and that farmland loss is accelerating. The Massachusetts Waterworks Association said the bill does not go far enough on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, citing large statewide capital needs and PFAS compliance costs, and asked for recurring funding and broader eligibility for climate resilience grants. A Product Stewardship Council representative also urged funding for a waste reduction needs assessment, citing growing landfill constraints and rising disposal costs. No votes were taken during the hearing."}{
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Transportation. (1-29-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- 33.280>
recognize We continue to work secondary routes in the hardest hit areas along the parkways - the hardest hit areas along the parkways in<00:03:49.760>
districts <00:03:50.720>2, <00 - This will complete all planned improvements in the Heartland Parkway corridor from the Cumberland Parkway
- north to the Bluegrass Parkway.
- And I have seen tremendous improvement on the Mountain Parkway during that time.
Keywords:
00:03 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:57 Capital Projects and Highway Plan
56:11 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met to hear the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s presentation on the governor’s 2026 capital projects budget and recommended highway plan. Secretary Gray and cabinet staff first thanked KYTC snow and ice crews, local road departments, first responders, utility workers, and others for their work during a major winter storm, then outlined the capital budget request. The cabinet said its facilities are aging, with about 35% at or beyond useful life, and that limited road fund revenues led it to focus mainly on maintenance, maintenance pools, aircraft maintenance, environmental compliance, AASHTOWare upgrades, state park road maintenance, truck parking, and reauthorization of several projects, including airport work and road projects. The cabinet said the governor’s budget includes about $22.8 million in state funds for the capital budget over the biennium, plus carry-forward language for maintenance pools and project reauthorizations to avoid losing federal funds.
Members asked about repeated reauthorizations, cost increases, and whether projects should be restarted as new requests after carrying over for multiple budgets. The cabinet responded that budget office policy generally allows only one reauthorization before a project must be resubmitted, and said many delays are due to acquisition or other project issues. Members also questioned the basis for increased-cost line items and the $5 million request for commercial truck parking; cabinet staff said they could provide original project cost details and that many increases are inflationary, while the truck parking project is expected to use federal funds and is a cabinet priority. The committee also discussed the decline in road fund receipts, which the cabinet attributed largely to lower motor fuels tax revenue.
The presentation then shifted to the 2026 recommended highway plan. Officials said the plan covers more than 1,300 projects over six years and anticipates about $9.5 billion in federal and state funding. They said the plan is intended to maintain existing assets, advance long-term priority projects, and honor prior commitments, including the Mountain Parkway, the Brent Spence Companion Bridge, and the I-69 Ohio River Crossing. About 40% of plan funds are dedicated to existing pavements, bridges, and guardrails, and officials cited a 61% rise in highway construction costs from 2020 to 2025 as a major challenge. To help offset those pressures, the cabinet is seeking $125 million from the budget reserve trust fund for the Brent Spence Bridge and release of a federal grant condition tied to the already appropriated $150 million for the I-69 crossing. No votes were taken at the meeting.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, similarly, I-4 at Darryl Carter Parkway.
- Also, similarly, I for it, Darryl Carter Parkway. It's a little nerdy.
- Also, similarly, I-4 at Darryl Carter Parkway.
- We've recently opened the Central Polk Parkway project from US 17 to State Road 60.
- freight to be able to move more quickly through these areas with the opening of the Central Polk Parkway
Summary:
The committee heard two informational presentations: one from the Department of Commerce and one from the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy and tools, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, defense, life sciences, and international trade. He described programs such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative, the Rural Community Investment Program, the Florida Opportunity Fund, the Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Job Growth Grant Fund, performance-based tax credits, and disaster recovery loans, and cited examples including ServiceNow, Williams International, NeoCity, and Point Blank Enterprises. Members asked about small-business grants, foreign investment interest, workforce needs, and whether additional tools are needed; Mahon said most Commerce programs are loan-focused and noted ongoing workforce and site-readiness challenges.
Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, highlighting congestion relief, express lanes, bridge and interchange work, and accelerated delivery methods. She cited projects such as Golden Glades, I-95 improvements, the NASA Causeway Bridge, the DuPont Bridge, I-4 corridor work, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, A1A seawall work, and Turnpike projects, along with examples of cost savings and schedule acceleration. Senators asked about how express lane locations are chosen, toll revenue use in South Florida, the status and cost of the I-395 downtown Miami project, and whether EV and rideshare access to express lanes should be preserved. FDOT said it would follow up on several of those questions, and the committee adjourned without taking any legislative action.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Parkways—here we go, guys—parkways: in 2018, $160 million, and in 2025, $176 million.
- But respectfully, the parkways line item needs a larger increase.
- of those parkways into other entities, mostly municipalities.
- I know DOT tried to take out on some of our parkways, but parkways are not highways. Agreed.
- You have Storrow Drive, which is a parkway.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill. Administration officials said the bill would fund climate resilience, clean water, land conservation, parks, PFAS remediation, food security infrastructure, and coastal and inland flood protection, while also streamlining permitting for housing, restoration, and other resilience projects. They emphasized that the bond authorizes spending but does not itself obligate it, and said the proposal includes deauthorizations as housekeeping. Committee members asked about the new Resilience Revolving Fund, flood and drought management, MVP funding, land acquisition, Chapter 61 right-of-first-refusal changes, salt marsh carbon sequestration, and how the bill would help smaller municipalities and offset expected federal funding losses. Officials said the revolving fund would be managed through EEA and the Clean Water Trust, with criteria aimed at directing aid to communities most in need, and noted that drought issues would continue to be handled through existing DEP and drought commission tools.
Several committee members and witnesses discussed specific policy provisions, including flood disclosure requirements for homebuyers and renters, expanded authority for regional planning and small-town access to grants, and permitting reforms that would exempt or expedite certain environmental restoration and priority housing projects from more time-consuming review processes. Administration witnesses defended the reforms as a way to achieve the same environmental outcomes faster and with more certainty, while some advocates argued the bill should go further, especially on Chapter 91 and restoration permitting. The administration also described investments in DCR facilities, water and wastewater systems, open space, agricultural easements, and a new focus on blue carbon and salt marsh restoration.
Public testimony largely supported the bill. Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy, MAPC, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, municipal officials, and others praised the bill’s resilience, conservation, and water infrastructure investments. Some witnesses urged additional funding for land protection, coastal resilience, buyouts, and restoration, and several called for stronger or simpler permitting reforms. Municipal witnesses from Boston, Beckett, Beverly, Conway, and regional planning organizations stressed the need for flexible financing, especially for small and rural communities facing costly infrastructure and climate adaptation projects. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee heard testimony and asked questions before moving on to additional panels.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 6 (1-13-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We were successful in getting a federal grant for the Mountain Parkway.
- We put up $150 million to get the federal grant for the Mountain Parkway.
- Of course, we put up a $250 Parkway.
- <00:26:31.279>
So, <00:26:31.840>this for the Mountain Parkway. - So, this for the Mountain Parkway.
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 37 members. The chamber approved the journal from Monday, January 12, 2026, and then moved through routine business including recessing briefly for the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees. The Committee on Committees reported referrals of Senate Bill 7, Senate Joint Resolution 11, and Senate Joint Resolution 27 to Transportation, and Senate Resolutions 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31 to the Senate floor.
Several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on identity documents, youth vaping prevention, local occupational license fees and taxes, healthcare provider credentialing, constitutional amendments on voting and restoration of rights, substance use disorder medication regulations, forcible entry and detainer, coroner response times, special needs trusts, immigration enforcement collaboration, and a resolution recognizing Physician Anesthesiologist Week. The Senate also adopted Senate Citation 001 honoring Shelby County Sheriff Mark Moore as the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year, and adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring David Delvin Drake.
A major floor discussion centered on Senate Resolution 10, which honored the victims of the UPS Flight 2976 crash and commended first responders. Senator Herron described the crash, named the victims, and thanked emergency responders and government partners; the resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. Another extended discussion came from the Senator from Marion regarding the I-69 bridge project, explaining the bipartisan effort behind the project, the push for a federal grant, and the state’s tolling requirements if no grant is secured. The Senate also heard announcements about committee meetings, upcoming receptions, and a film release, and several members requested co-sponsorships on various bills before the chamber adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- to your attention, and I end up counting, and I kid you not, I got up to 70 carcasses along that parkway
- c><00:08:03.599>
drove <00:08:03.919>down <00:08:04.160>the <00:08:04.400>Parkway - <00:08:04.879>
to saw as we drove down the Parkway to saw as we drove down the Parkway to - 08:15.680>
carcasses <00:08:16.479>along <00:08:16.879>that <00:08:17.120>parkway - <00:08:17.520>
headed 70 carcasses along that parkway headed 70 carcasses along that parkway
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation (3-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It merely extends the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard, Kentucky, along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and
- By having the longer parkway through there, it puts us in a greater advantage of achieving federal funding
- It merely extends the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard, Kentucky, along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and
- By having the longer parkway through there, it puts us in a greater advantage of achieving federal funding
- By having the longer parkway through there, it puts us in a greater advantage of achieving federal funding
Keywords:
Roll Call 00:15
HJR 46 Discussion 00:43
HJR 46 Vote 2:58
HB 546 Discussion 04:10
HB 546 Vote 06:00
HB 443 Discussion 07:30
HB 443 Vote 09:35
HB 783 Discussion 10:29
HB 783 Vote 15:29, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Joint Resolution 46, a county priority projects resolution. Members approved a committee substitute that added $1.47 million and included Butler, Carroll, Casey, Cumberland, McGoffin, Monroe, and Nicholas counties. The resolution was then reported favorably with a title amendment and an expression of opinion that it should pass.
The committee next took up House Bill 546, which creates the local assistance road program and related rules. The committee substitute moved $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to priority projects and amended the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock I-69 funding tied to Garvey bonds. After discussion about continuing to refine the program, the committee approved the substitute, adopted a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably with an expression of opinion that it should pass.
House Bill 443 was then heard, extending the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and Floyd to support future federal funding and four-laning of the corridor. The committee reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. Finally, House Bill 783 was presented as a response to temporary tag fraud in auto sales, with testimony from Representative Jackson, Warren County Sheriff Brad Hightower, and the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association. Supporters said the bill adds enforcement tools, including felony penalties for serious violations and discretion for the Motor Vehicle Commission so mistakes are not treated the same as deliberate fraud. The committee voted to report the bill favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, but I'm pleased to present House File 431, a bonding request for the Progress Parkway Project
- Louis County Progress Parkway Project in blue. Kevin Gray, St.
- Louis County Progress Parkway Project in blue. Kevin Gray, St.
- Louis County Progress Parkway Project in blue. Kevin Gray, St.
- This leads to 53 and Progress Parkway.
Bills:
HF2418, HF1666, HF232, HF344, HF402, HF431, HF468, HF547, HF583, HF1476, HF1711, HF2787, HF2788, HF3207
Keywords:
capital investment, political subdivisions, state assistance, funding, project grants, child care, Slayton, state bonds, economic development, extended time revenue, school funding, state aid, career and technical education, CTE, STEM, secondary credit, after-school programs, summer school, learning year program, extended day
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Nov 19th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Our Panama City Parkway capacity improvements are using one of our new innovative approaches, voluntary
- Also, similarly, I-4 at Darryl Carter Parkway is helping with relieving congestion in that area.
- Also, similarly, I-4 at Darryl Carter Parkway.
- We've recently opened the Central Polk Parkway project from US 17 to State Road 60.
- freight to be able to move more quickly through these areas with the opening of the Central Polk Parkway
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to hear presentations from the Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Florida Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, defense, and financial services. He described the department’s tools for small business lending, rural investment tax credits, venture capital support, infrastructure and workforce grants, performance-based incentives, and disaster recovery loans, and highlighted examples such as ServiceNow, Williams International, Asteris, and Point Blank Enterprises. Senators asked about grant availability for small businesses, foreign companies relocating to Florida, workforce shortages in manufacturing, and whether additional tools may be needed; Mahon said most small-business support is loan-based and noted ongoing workforce and infrastructure challenges.
Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing the state’s large portfolio of active contracts and major congestion-relief projects across Florida. She highlighted early completions and accelerated timelines on projects including the NASA Causeway Bridge, I-95 at US 1 in Volusia County, I-4 congestion relief lanes, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, I-4 interchanges in Central Florida, A1A coastal protection work, I-75 improvements in Southwest Florida, and the I-395 reconstruction in Miami. Senators asked about how express lane projects are selected, whether toll revenues are used for local maintenance and improvements, the status of the Miami I-395 project, and the impact of losing electric-vehicle express lane exemptions. Marshall said FDOT works with local long-range plans and congestion data, and that she would follow up on several specific funding and project questions.
Committee members generally praised both agencies for project delivery, cost savings, and coordination with local partners. Senator Mayfield noted the importance of using savings and working with local governments, while Senator Wright commended Commerce’s role in economic development and FDOT’s work on major road projects. The meeting concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But I'm pleased to present House File 431, a bonding request for the Progress Parkway project in the
- which are currently only accessible via the signalized intersection of Trunk Highway 53 and Progress Parkway
- A new 1.42-mile County State Aid Highway around Progress Parkway and Wolverine.
- The handout is entitled "Saint Louis County Progress Parkway Project." Kevin Grace, St.
- The Progress Parkway extension project under consideration today has been designed in coordination with
Bills:
HF2418, HF1666, HF232, HF344, HF402, HF431, HF468, HF547, HF583, HF1476, HF1711, HF2787, HF2788, HF3207
Keywords:
capital investment, political subdivisions, state assistance, funding, project grants, child care, Slayton, state bonds, economic development, extended time revenue, school funding, state aid, career and technical education, CTE, STEM, secondary credit, after-school programs, summer school, learning year program, extended day
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Like, I went to Parkway West. That's where I graduated.
- I reside in the Parkway School District. Now, that's a district with a whole lot of money.
- My son, prior to going to Parkway, was in the Melville School District. Another great district.
- I reside in the Parkway School District. Now, that's a district with, nurses.
- I reside in the Parkway School District. Now, that's a district with a whole lot of money.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3070, a firearms-related bill. Representative Costlow and Vice Chair Gragg spoke against it, arguing it was not truly Second Amendment-friendly, could create conflicts with federal law, impose taxpayer payouts and criminal penalties, and lacked support from law enforcement. The committee then voted 3 ayes to 9 noes, and HB 3070 failed to pass.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2904, which would expand animal mistreatment provisions to include starvation and add protections against false reporting of animal abuse. Representative Don Mayhew said the bill addressed intentional neglect cases and had been unanimously approved by the Agriculture Committee the prior year. Testimony in support came from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane World for Animals, and the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation; no opposition testimony was offered.
The remainder of the meeting focused on House Bill 2933, which would allow St. Louis County school districts to withdraw from the Special School District of St. Louis County through local board action and voter approval. The sponsor and supporters argued the current SSD structure is too rigid, lacks local control, and has produced service failures, including testimony from parents, educators, and an attorney describing inadequate services, poor collaboration, legal disputes, and concerns about abuse and accountability. Opponents, including SSD staff, superintendents, and parents of students who benefit from SSD, said the countywide model provides specialized services that many districts could not replicate, especially for students with severe disabilities, and warned the bill could fragment services, increase costs, and jeopardize access. No final action was taken on HB 2933 in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 14 (1-27-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For me personally, it's the Western Kentucky Parkway, which really was almost impassable, a small section
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the <00:58:36.799>Western <00:58:37.040>Kentucky <00:58:37.520>Parkway - ,<00:58:38.480>
which it's the Western Kentucky Parkway, which it's the Western Kentucky Parkway - was ice covered and then<00:58:45.520>
the <00:58:45.760>bluegrass <00:58:46.240>Parkway - until I hit then the bluegrass Parkway until I hit Nelson<00:58:48.880>
County and<00:58:52.960
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Like, I went to Parkway West. That's where I graduated.
- I reside in the Parkway School District. Now, that’s a district with a whole lot of money.
- My son, prior to going to Parkway, was in the Melville School District. Another great district.
- I reside in the Parkway School District. Now, that's a district with a whole lot of money.
- My son, prior to going to Parkway, was in the Melville School District. Another great district.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3070, a Second Amendment-related bill. Representative Koslow and Vice Chair Gregory spoke against it, arguing it was not truly pro-Second Amendment, could create conflicts with federal law, and was not supported by law enforcement. The roll call vote failed the bill by a vote of 3 ayes to 9 noes.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2904, which would expand animal mistreatment law to include starvation and add a House committee substitute addressing false reporting of animal abuse. Representative Don Mayhew said the bill was intended to address intentional neglect, and witnesses from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane World for Animals, and Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation supported it. No opposition testimony was offered.
The remainder of the hearing focused on House Bill 2933, which would allow school districts in St. Louis County to withdraw from the Special School District of St. Louis County if approved by the local board and voters. The sponsor and supporters, including Lindbergh officials, a special education attorney, and parents, argued the current SSD structure is too rigid, lacks local control, and has failed some students, citing service delays, legal disputes, and recent DOJ findings about abuse. Opponents, including SSD officials, parents of students who benefit from SSD, the Missouri NAACP, and others, said SSD provides specialized services that many districts could not replicate, warned of fragmentation and inequity, and urged use of existing county review and ballot processes instead. No vote was taken on HB 2933 during the hearing.