The Obama administration’s Livability Initiative—a joint venture of DOT, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency—has made available $280 million for such urban circulator projects as streetcars, buses, and bus facilities. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the funding Dec. 1 in New Orleans, where he was touring the historic Carrollton Car Barn streetcar facility.

According to LaHood, the funding “represents a significant effort to promote livable communities, improve the quality of life for more Americans, and create more transportation choices that serve the needs of individual communities.” He added: “Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects will stimulate America’s neighborhoods to become safer, healthier, and more vibrant.” 

"Not only will these urban circulator and bus projects provide Americans with new neighborhood-friendly transit systems, they will give us a cleaner environment and create much-needed jobs,” added Federal Transit Administrator Peter M. Rogoff.

The federal program will make available up to $25 million per project from approximately $130 million in unallocated discretionary New Starts/Small Starts Program funds.

Transit developments that connect destinations and foster the redevelopment of communities into walkable, mixed-use, high-density environments will receive priority.

A second pot of money, totaling $150 million in unallocated discretionary Bus and Bus Facility funds, will be available for projects that will foster the preservation and enhancement of urban and rural communities by providing new mobility options that provide access to jobs, health care, and education, and/or contribute to the redevelopment of neighborhoods into pedestrian-friendly vibrant environments. 

FTA plans to announce the grants early next year.

“As a longtime champion of streetcars, it is rewarding to see this administration prioritize community livability and invest in our nation’s transportation systems,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). “Making a down payment on streetcars, better bus access, and improved public transit means investing in our nation’s economic success.”

« Previous Article

Return to Top | Return to Main

Next Article »