$10 Million is Now Available to Help Transit Address Climate Change and Equity
This week, the Department’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of approximately $10 million through its Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. This funding will 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.
What is the pilot program?
The Pilot Program for TOD Planning funds comprehensive planning to increase transit access and 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.
Today’s announcement coincides with Earth Day.
Equitable transit-oriented development helps those at the local level respond to climate change and affordable housing challenges, particularly in underserved and overburdened communities.
As U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg put it
When people can move safely and easily by public transit, foot, bike, wheelchair, or any other means, it can change a community for the better. This type of investment can save residents money and time, and reduce pollution impacting our neighborhoods. We are thrilled to help more local governments plan creatively around transit, so their communities can benefit from the good jobs, affordable housing, and economic revitalization that accompany it.
FTA will prioritize projects that help improve air quality and promote equitable delivery of benefits and services to underserved communities. This consideration will further the goals of recent White House Executive Orders, including the prioritization of environmental justice.
Information on previously funded projects can be found here.
More information about how to apply can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The application period will close on Monday, June 21, 2021.
