U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) officials said the agency is seeking public feedback regarding the Thriving Communities Initiative — a program that provides technical assistance and planning support for disadvantaged communities infrastructure projects.
The agency has initiated a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the Thriving Communities Initiative fall launch. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing complementary technical assistance to enhance housing and transportation planning coordination to advance residents’ access to opportunity and increase housing supply.
“Given the historic levels of infrastructure funding we have thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it is critical that we ensure disadvantaged communities can access those funds,” Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg said. “Through the Thriving Communities Initiative and other programs, the Department of Transportation is committed to collaborating with communities to craft technical assistance programs that meet them where they are and meet their needs — helping to create efficient, accessible transportation for all communities.”
Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Christopher Coes said the DOT seeks to hear directly from disadvantaged communities about their most pressing technical assistance and capacity building needs that could be supported by the programs.
“DOT is designing this program to help implement the historic investments from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure that every place has the needed tools to thrive.”