Department of Transportation Announces Over $17.6 Million for Transit-Oriented Development

WASHINGTON, DC -  The Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration just announced $17.6 million in grants to 20 communities in 16 states to invest in transit-oriented development (TOD). The funding, which comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support local strategies to increase transit access and encourage ridership through mixed-use and mixed-income housing near public transportation projects.

Each of the selected projects has an affordable housing component and will require no local matching funds.

Projects announced include but are not limited to: 

• Colorado
  • $2 million to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to develop a TOD development implementation plan for the proposed 20-mile, Federal Boulevard bus rapid transit (BRT) project.
• Georgia  
  • $750,0000 to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to study  potential for TOD around the Campbellton Community Investment Corridor, a six-mile bus rapid transit line. 
• Ohio
  • $1.2 million to the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to plan for TOD along the proposed 9.3-mile West Broad Street bus rapid transit corridor that will run through downtown Columbus and Franklin and Prairie townships. 
  • $700,000 to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) to plan for TOD along the proposed Lorain Corridor, a multi-modal planning project that will incorporate bus rapid transit with GCRTA's existing heavy rail system. 
• Texas
  • $1.5 million to the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in partnership with the city of Austin, to plan for TOD and develop a sustainable multimodal transit hub at the CapMetro Rail Crestview Station.
  • $500,000 to the city of McAllen, which operates Metro McAllen, to plan for TOD around two stations connected by four local bus routes, including a proposed BRT corridor. 
• Virginia 
  • $555,000 to the city of Alexandria to plan for TOD along the proposed Duke Street Bus Rapid Transit corridor. The planned BRT corridor will provide transit access along an approximate 3.7- mile stretch of Duke Street, connect two ends of the City from the planned West End (former Landmark Mall) mixed-use development to the King Street Metrorail Station and Alexandria Union Station, which will connect Duke Street to regional transit and commuter rail.
  • $750,000 to the (Greater Richmond Transportation Company) to plan for TOD along a proposed second BRT line, which will travel north and south on Chamberlayne Avenue from Henrico County through downtown Richmond and into Chesterfield County. 

QUOTES FROM LOCAL SIERRA CLUB LEADERS: 

“Quality transit and affordable housing go hand in hand in creating more livable communities,” said Sierra Club Colorado Chapter Director Margaret Kran-Annexstein. “This federal funding will help link neighborhoods in the Denver Metro Area that have been underserved by more efficient public transportation and offer alternatives to polluting cars to help reduce congestion and air pollution."  

“The Campbelltown Community Investment Corridor is a mobility project featuring bus rapid transit (BRT), micro-mobility infrastructure, and pedestrian safety improvements,” said Sierra Club Georgia Chapter Director G Webber. “The project is funded by the More MARTA transit sales tax, which the Sierra Club Georgia Chapter worked to promote alongside our partner organizations. It's encouraging to see federal funds supporting the corridor through smart growth and transit-oriented development planning. The communities along this corridor — fragmented by strip malls, low-density housing, under-developed land, and a closed historic military base awaiting redevelopment — will be well-served by the project and improved land use. This grant will help address these physical barriers, while also working to address issues of housing affordability and food insecurity.”

"This is a big win for connecting Ohioans across the state,” said Sierra Club Ohio State Director Ericka Copeland. “The success of transit systems in rural, urban, and suburban neighborhoods is critical to the economic health and sustainable growth of our communities in Ohio. This funding will help ensure inclusive cities and complete neighborhoods anchored around walking, cycling, and public transit In Cleveland, incorporating bus rapid transit with its existing heavy rail system is a tremendous gain. Further including bike infrastructure and pedestrian access on the West Side of Cleveland better connects people to jobs and activities. In Central Ohio, this funding will mean a plan for transit-oriented development for the corridor that will run through downtown Columbus connecting north-south routes and will serve as the region's first rapid transit route. We appreciate the Biden Administration for prioritizing the needs of everyday folks and connecting our communities in meaningful ways.”

“Everyday Texans in Austin and the Rio Grande Valley are struggling with rising costs of living across our state,” said Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter Director Dave Cortez. “These investments by the Biden Administration are a major step towards helping Texans gain access to much needed affordable housing and transit so they can live, work, and afford to remain part of the fabric of our rapidly growing cities.”

“The FTA’s transit-oriented development grants are a big win for Virginia communities,” said Sierra Club Virginia Transportation and Smart Growth Program Manager Cheri Conca. “The funds will allow Alexandria and Richmond to increase transit options which will take cars off the road, reducing health- and climate-threatening tailpipe pollution. Considering the success of Richmond’s east-west Pulse BRT line, the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is thrilled that GRTC has received funding to build a north-south line. The new route has been planned to optimize ridership, accessibility, and equity. Alexandria has long envisioned the improved quality of life, reduced air pollution and traffic congestion, and better access to jobs that its new Duke Street Bus Rapid Transit project will bring to residents and visitors alike. Congratulations to both communities!”