New Jersey recently awarded $3.8 million in fiscal year 2022 Transit Village grants to 14 municipalities in nine counties.
The sum is the largest amount awarded in a single year.
“The increase in Transit Village grants means more communities will be able to fund projects that promote economic growth near rail and bus stations,” Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez Scaccetti said.
The Transit Village program is a multi-agency initiative. Municipalities with transit facilities can seek to be designated as a Transit Village by developing plans for mixed-use redevelopment that includes housing near a transit facility for bus, commuter rail, ferry, or light rail.
Most years, $1 million is available. This year, the program received an additional $2.82 million from Grants-in-Aid programs.
A total of 33 municipalities participate in the program. Benefits include enhanced eligibility for grants, priority funding and technical assistance from some state agencies, and coordination among the state agencies that comprise the Transit Village Task Force.
Eligible municipalities submit applications for funding for projects located within one-half mile of the transit facility.
Projects are awarded on a competitive basis. Among the criteria considered are bicycling, project need, applicant’s past performance using other Local Aid funds, proximity to a transit facility, and walkability.