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Savannah Morning News

Chatham County puts hold on large data centers

Chatham County puts hold on large data centers

Chatham County officials approved a 155-day moratorium on large data centers to study infrastructure and zoning.

Rep. Ryan Zinke's Office Supports Federal Funding for Whitefish Roundabout Project

Rep. Ryan Zinke's Office Supports Federal Funding for Whitefish Roundabout Project

A public-private initiative to address traffic and safety concerns in Whitefish, Montana, has gained traction with the Whitefish City Council. Design firm WGM Group proposed a plan to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Big Mountain Road and East Lakeshore Drive, which would also involve rerouting a section of Big Mountain Road to improve dangerous sightlines. The estimated cost for this project ranges from $4.5 million to $6 million. Rep. Ryan Zinke's office has identified this road redesign plan as a strong candidate for federal Community Project Funding, a program designed to support critical infrastructure and service initiatives. The city's application for this grant does not obligate it to proceed with the construction, but it presents a significant opportunity to fund a much-needed infrastructure upgrade without solely relying on local taxpayer money. The project aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion, particularly during peak seasons, and enhance emergency response access.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Ohio county could pave way for data center after townships said no

Ohio county could pave way for data center after townships said no

The Butler County Board of Commissioners will weigh whether to allow the annexation during a meeting Sept. 15.

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures Engages Tuskegee University Students on Economic Development and Civic Engagement

U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures Engages Tuskegee University Students on Economic Development and Civic Engagement

U.S. Rep. Shomari C. Figures, D-Ala., recently visited Tuskegee University, where he participated in the 30th Annual Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit and held a Q&A session with students. During the summit, Figures emphasized the importance of fostering economic development across Alabama. His discussions with student leaders covered a range of topics, including shifts in federal funding for higher education, the critical role of informed and engaged voters, and the broader socioeconomic impact of Tuskegee beyond Macon County. Figures also highlighted his legislative efforts, including the introduction of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Act in July. This bill aims to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor the service and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, and it has garnered bipartisan support from the entire Alabama congressional delegation, along with several other representatives.

Jamaica and Saudi Fund for Development Discuss Tourism and Infrastructure Cooperation

Jamaica and Saudi Fund for Development Discuss Tourism and Infrastructure Cooperation

Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has engaged in discussions with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to explore new avenues for development cooperation. The talks focused on strengthening tourism training, education, and health infrastructure across Jamaica. A significant part of the discussions included plans for post-Hurricane Melissa reconstruction, aligning with the Minister’s Tourism 3.0 strategic reimagining of the sector. The Saudi Fund for Development, a Saudi Arabian government agency, provides development assistance to developing countries by financing social and infrastructure projects, having supported over USD20 billion in funding across 741 projects globally. These discussions are part of Jamaica's broader strategy to attract partnerships that support human capital development and critical infrastructure, integrating with the country's tourism linkages and sustainable development agenda.

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin Defends Ballot Questions Amid Legislative Reform Push

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin Defends Ballot Questions Amid Legislative Reform Push

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin has defended the state's ballot question process, calling it a 'safety valve for democracy' amidst ongoing legislative efforts to reform it. Lawmakers are currently negotiating changes to how initiative petitions get on the ballot, with proposals including increased geographic signature requirements, enhanced campaign finance disclosures, restrictions on paid signature collection, higher vote thresholds for certain ballot items, and expanded legislative power to override voter-approved measures. Galvin emphasized that while procedural changes might be considered, the fundamental concept of citizen lawmaking should remain intact. This comes as the state faces a particularly active election cycle with nine questions going before voters in November, tying the record for the most in state history. The House and Senate have passed different bills aimed at reforming the process, which are now in conference committee.

U.S. Construction Sector Demonstrates Resilience Amidst Rising Costs and Workforce Shortages

U.S. Construction Sector Demonstrates Resilience Amidst Rising Costs and Workforce Shortages

U.S. Construction Sector Demonstrates Resilience Amidst Rising Costs and Workforce Shortages

Senator Wyden Proposes New Tax Policy for Data Centers to Fund Community Disruptions

Senator Wyden Proposes New Tax Policy for Data Centers to Fund Community Disruptions

Senator Wyden Proposes New Tax Policy for Data Centers to Fund Community Disruptions

Governor Newsom Considers Bill Impacting Controversial Forest Lawn Drive Project in Los Angeles

Governor Newsom Considers Bill Impacting Controversial Forest Lawn Drive Project in Los Angeles

California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently reviewing a bill, SB 194, that includes a last-minute provision specifically targeting a controversial street safety project on Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles. This provision would impose new requirements for reducing vehicle travel lanes on streets that provide the sole access to two or more adjacent cemeteries in cities with populations exceeding 2 million. Los Angeles is the only city in California that meets this population criterion. The proposed traffic-calming measure on Forest Lawn Drive, which involves reducing traffic lanes and adding a protected bike lane, has been a point of contention. Councilmember Nithya Raman supported the project, while Mayor Karen Bass paused it for redesign due to community opposition. Street safety advocates are urging Governor Newsom to veto the bill, highlighting the unusual nature of the Legislature intervening in such a granular local issue.

Wheeling City Council to Vote on Agreement Preventing High-Impact Data Center in Warwood

Wheeling City Council to Vote on Agreement Preventing High-Impact Data Center in Warwood

Wheeling City Council to Vote on Agreement Preventing High-Impact Data Center in Warwood

Labor Union Donates Significantly to Kentucky Governor's PAC Amid Data Center Concerns

Labor Union Donates Significantly to Kentucky Governor's PAC Amid Data Center Concerns

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a national labor union, has made substantial donations totaling $206,000 to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's political action committee, 'In This Together.' This makes the IBEW the fourth-largest donor to the PAC since its creation after Governor Beshear's 2023 reelection. These contributions occur as public concern grows regarding the environmental impact and resource consumption of hyperscale data centers. Governor Beshear recently issued an executive order aimed at protecting the public from potential harms associated with data centers. However, Jason Bailey, executive director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, noted that the order does not specify how these facilities should be taxed. The union's support for data centers stems from the significant employment opportunities they create for electricians, advocating for responsible development with strong worker and community protections. The IBEW has a history of supporting pro-labor po...

Texas Lawmakers Urge Army Corps to Expedite Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project in Orange County

Texas Lawmakers Urge Army Corps to Expedite Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project in Orange County

Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), along with Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, and Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), have sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) urging them to maintain momentum on the Orange County element of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management and Ecosystem Restoration Project (S2G). The lawmakers are pushing for the project to advance without delay, emphasizing its critical importance for storm surge protection in Orange County. The S2G project was authorized by Congress in 2018 through the Water Resources Development Act to mitigate the severe impacts of coastal storm surge along the upper Texas coast. Despite increased estimated costs during the design phase, the lawmakers are seeking policy direction for USACE to use its discretionary authority to begin construction with available funds, ensuring the project's progress while a Post Authorization Change Report is being developed. They highlighted the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, w...