US DoT announces $1.36B funding new and existing transit projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a total of $1.36 billion in federal funding allocations to 16 new and existing transit projects in the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program.

FTA is allocating approximately $424.8 million in appropriated Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 CIG funding to two projects that have existing construction grant agreements and five new projects, subject to further review and approval, that are nearing readiness for consideration to receive such an agreement. In addition, FTA is allocating $936 million in appropriated FY 2019 CIG funds to nine projects with existing construction grant agreements. 

"These significant investments will strengthen our country’s transit infrastructure and improve mobility for those who depend upon public transit every day," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

With this announcement, FTA has advanced funding for 22 new CIG projects throughout the nation under this administration since January 20, 2017, totaling approximately $5.06 billion in funding commitments.

"FTA continues to evaluate and advance eligible projects in the CIG program consistent with federal law. We are pleased to allocate funding to five new CIG projects and 11 projects with existing grant agreements across the country," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams.

The five new CIG projects included as part of today’s announcement are (1) First Coast Flyer Southwest Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Jacksonville, Fla.; (2) Virginia Street Corridor BRT project in Reno, Nev.; (3) River Corridor/Blue Line BRT project in Albany, N.Y.; (4) Division Transit BRT project in Portland, Ore.; and (5) Central City Line BRT project in Spokane, Wash.

FTA indicated its intent to fund these and existing CIG projects through updated allocation notices for FY 2018 and FY 2019 CIG funding appropriated by Congress. Funding for new CIG projects will be awarded once the project sponsors complete the rigorous CIG program steps outlined in law and FTA signs construction grant agreements with the project sponsors.

The CIG Program provides funding for major transit infrastructure capital investments nationwide. Projects accepted into the program must go through a multi-year, multi-step process according to requirements in law to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds.

About FTA

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys and ferries. FTA also oversees safety measures and helps develop next-generation technology research.