The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "highway development" ...
-
Muddy 98
"Reporter Ben Raines discovered that lax oversight and poor engineering of a major highway project had allowed thousands of tons of mud to wash into Mobile's drinking water supply and the numerous creeks and wetlands that feed it."
Tags: environment; water supply; unsafe construction; public health; highway development; environmental agency
-
Traffic Congestion on U.S. 1 in Jensen Beach
Traffic congestion on a highly commercializes section of a highway in Jensen Beach was getting progressively worse because elected officials in that county allowed development to continue even though the highway fails to meet county standards for traffic flow. This investigation shows how this happened and what affects it will have on the community of Jensen Beach.
Tags: traffic; construction; commercial development; Florida Department of Transportation
-
Northern Arc: Road to Riches
The Chronicle reports that officials who are supposed to approve or reject the construction of a proposed $2.2 billion highway north of Atlanta, own significant tracts of land close to it. The road would potentially increase the value of their land. One of the officials, Richard Chandler, resigned from the Atlanta Regional Commission Board after the publications, later followed by another three officials, including William Hasty, head of the state department of transportation.
Tags: ethics; transportation; roads; land development; Georgia Open Records Act
-
Thanks to Utah politicians and the 2002 Olympics, a blizzard of federal money - a stunning $1.5 billion - has fallen on the state, enriching some already wealthy businessmen
A Sports Illustrated investigation looks at the federal spending for the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City in 2002. The magazine estimates the amount of the spending at $1.5 billion by analyzing data from the General Accounting Office, and various federal and Utah state agencies. No federal agency or official is responsible for monitoring the spending, the story reveals. The key finding is that a millionaire developer, a billionaire ski-resort owner, and even a church are benefitting from infrastructure and security projects to which the magic word 'Olympics' is attached. The article compares the 2002 Games spending to what the government paid for previous Olympics in Lake Placid, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
Tags: real estate; development; roads; highways; construction; property; contracts; C.C. Myers Inc.; government; land; Forest Service; Transportation Department; Robert Earl Holding
-
Pigging Out
A National Journal investigation looks at the new developments in the "age-old practice of lawmakers pledging their support for key legislation in exchange for federally funded projects in their districts." The tradition, known as "pork barrel spending," isn't likely to die, even though Republicans who seized Congress in 1994 wouldn't put up with it, the magazine reports. The story reveals that most GOP revolutionaries have been trying to steer money for roads and bridges toward their districts in exchange for supporting the new transportation bill. The article provides insight on how funding for infrastructure has changed over the years.
Tags: transportation; lawmakers; politicians; GOP; Republicans; Democrats; pet projects; highways; gas tax; federal funds
-
No Vacancy
"A look under the sheets of area motels has driven area officials to pull the plug on the neon signs that invited drugs, bugs and illegal activities into otherwise peaceful suburban surroundings," reports Cleveland Magazine. The story details the problems at the Cleveland Motel & Lounge, and details how Fairview Park shut down two motels similar to the Cleveland. The analysis finds that suburban motels "were made obsolete decades ago by the development of the interstate highway system," and later attracted a new clientele of transients.
Tags: utilities; crime; drug deals; community; U.S. 42; Lorain Road; prostitution; police
-
The Story of Sprawl
"A city is composed of four elements: water, land, buildings and people. Urban areas function when these elements combine in the right proportions. Too much or too little of any one, and the city develops the signs of strain: overcrowding, water shortages, jammed highways. As North America's third-fastest-growing city, Toronto is not immune." Reporter John Lorinc reports on the urban sprawl of Toronto and raises the question of possible solutions.
Tags: developers; Ontario Municipal Board; urban; growth; cities; housing; Credit Valley Conservation Authority; property; environment
-
The First Signs of Rebirth
"Once a thriving, diverse neighborhood, Milo-Grogan fell victim to highway development and industrial decline. Today residents, who came together to fight a proposed homeless shelter, are finding their identity and pride once again." Columbus' Milo-Grogan neighborhood had a rich history that led back to the turn of the century, a history of immigration combined with industrial growth followed by urban growth. The area saw a decline beginning in the 1960s when the Ohio Department of Transportation constructed a highway that cut through the heart of the community. By the 1990s it population had dropped from nearly 5,000 in the 1960s to 2,500, 90 percent of which were black. Lyttle discovers a community movement that organized after the city planned to put a homeless shelter in the area, and has now dedicated itself to returning the area to its former livelihood.
Tags: Urban renewal; Columbus; Ohio
-
Route 100: The immortal road
Howard County (Md.) Sun finds questionable moves by the state Highway Administration in planning a new road, favoring large land developers at the expense of poorer residents.
Tags: Maryland State Highway Administration; Maryland; roads; government