The U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently opened the application period for the agency’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning pilot program.
A total of $10 million will be awarded to projects nationwide.
The TOD Planning pilot program funds projects that increase transit access and encourage ridership with mixed-use and mixed-income development near public transportation projects. Funding also will support projects that help connect communities, promote equitable delivery of benefits to underserved communities, combat climate change, improve access to affordable housing, and advance environmental justice.
Eligible projects include comprehensive planning studies around commuter rail, light rail, heavy rail, or bus rapid transit systems with a designated right-of-way.
Applicants must be existing FTA recipients to qualify for funding. This means they either are an entity with land use planning authority in the project corridor or are a project sponsor of an eligible transit project. They also must partner to conduct the planning work.
“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,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “This type of investment can save residents money and time and reduce pollution impacting our neighborhoods.”
Applications will be received through June 21.