DOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants

In February 2010, DOT announced $1.5 billion in TIGER grants for over 50 high-priority, innovative transportation projects across the country, 22 of which enhance the livability of their communities. The projects, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will create thousands of jobs and help get the U.S. economy back on track. The TIGER grant program targets major national and regional transportation projects that are often difficult to pursue through government funding programs. Selected projects must foster job creation, show strong economic benefits, and promote communities that are safer, cleaner, and more livable. The projects selected range in size from under $4 million to over $100 million and are found in both rural and urban communities. They are distributed in 41 states and the District of Columbia. HUD and EPA offered expertise in the review of the grant applications. $600 million has been allocated to DOT for a second round of TIGER grants. $30 million of those funds can be used for planning and capacity building to generate and fund projects that improve livability. More information: http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot3010b.htm 

DOT Funds for Urban Circulator, Bus, and Bus Facility Projects

DOT is evaluating grants for two new pilot programs to support livability projects. Up to $150 million is available for bus livability projects to provide new mobility options to improve access to jobs, healthcare, and education. $130 million is available for Urban Circulator Grants, which will target priority projects to connect destinations and foster the redevelopment of districts into walkable, mixed use, high density environments. . More information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-29242.pdf

Change to Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts Program

DOT has repealed the New Starts cost-effectiveness rule that limited its New Starts funding recommendations. DOT is making this change in order to give meaningful consideration to the full range of benefits that transit can provide, including shorter travel times, congestion relief, and other important economic development, environmental, and social benefits.
More information: http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_11048.html

Change to DOT’s Bicycle Pedestrian Policy

DOT has issues a new bicycle pedestrian policy that marks the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized. The policy integrates the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects, discourages transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians, and encourages investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.To set this approach in motion, DOT has formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities. For more information: http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/bicycle-ped.html

Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Eligibility for Funding

FTA has published a proposed policy statement that would extend eligibility of Federal transit funds for pedestrian and bicycle improvements.  Previously, FTA guidance has no determination has been made of specific distances pedestrians or bicyclists can be expected to travel to access a transit station or stop. The proposed policy will designate a radius around a transit stop/station within which FTA will consider pedestrian (1/2 mile) and bicycle (3 miles) improvements to have a de facto functional relationship to public transportation, extending eligibility for federal funding. For more information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27240.pdf

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)-HUD Mixed-Income, Transit-Oriented Development Action Guide

FTA and HUD have developed an action guide to help planners implement mixed-income, transit-oriented development. This interactive web guide will help local planners find effective tools to encourage mixed-income development around transit. More information: http://www.mitod.org