DOT has announced that approximately $30 million is available to create or increase access to local and regional transportation resources that veterans and military families need to get to work, school, and other destinations. This funding would boost access to jobs and training for U.S. service members and their families. Proposals are due April 19, 2012.

This is the second round of Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative grants funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The first set of grants, announced in November 2011, provided $34.6 million for 55 projects in 32 states and Guam, selected from 70 proposals seeking $52 million.

The grants will help states and communities build or expand “one-click, one-call” transportation resource centers that provide comprehensive information on local transportation options and other community services with just a single phone call or click of the mouse.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said: “As tens of thousands of our military personnel return home, we must reward their sacrifices and those of their families with the services they need to more seamlessly reintegrate into their communities as quickly as possible. This investment helps to do that, and it serves as one small thank-you for their honorable service.”

FTA Administrator Peter M. Rogoff added:  “The president asked that we do all that we can to support those who have served our country, and we are answering his challenge. We must ensure that our nation’s veterans and their families are able to connect to jobs, school, work, and medical appointments wherever they live—and improving access to reliable, affordable transportation is key to helping them do so.”

The notice of funding availability for the program’s second round of grants appeared in the Feb. 7, 2012, Federal Register.  A list of the projects that have already been funded under the previous round is available here.

This initiative is led by the federal Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility, a permanent partnership of federal departments—chaired by LaHood—working together to better coordinate federal programs on behalf of persons with disabilities, older Americans and low-income individuals. Additional information is available online.