FTA Announces More Than $10 Million Funding Opportunity for Transit Planning to Address Climate Change and Equity in Communities Nationwide

 


The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the availability of approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FTA’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. The funds will support comprehensive planning efforts that help connect communities, improve access to public transportation and affordable housing, and support President Biden’s call to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and promote equitable delivery of benefits to underserved communities.


In support of the President’s January 20, 2021 Executive Orders on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis (EO 13990) and Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (EO 13985), FTA will prioritize projects that will help improve air quality in non-attainment and maintenance areas for certain criteria pollutants under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and promote equitable delivery of benefits and services to underserved communities. This consideration will further the goals of the Executive Orders, including the goal to prioritize environmental justice.


FTA’s Pilot Program for TOD Planning funds comprehensive planning to increase transit access and to encourage ridership with mixed-use and mixed-income development near public transportation projects. Examples of eligible projects include comprehensive planning studies around station areas for new fixed guideway projects, such as light-rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, or bus rapid transit systems that have a designated right-of-way. Information on previously funded projects can be found here.


Links
News Release
Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning
Notice of Funding Opportunity
FY 2020 Project Selections