The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently awarded approximately $13.1 million in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning grants to 19 projects nationwide that will fight climate change and provide more transportation options through the development of or expanding transit project corridors.
The grants, through a TOD pilot program, support projects that increase transit access and encourage ridership through mixed-use and mixed-income development near public transportation projects.
The program helps communities plan for opportunities created by new transit stations, including affordable housing; better connections to schools, hospitals, stores, and restaurants; and economic development.
The majority of the selected projects address homelessness.
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Transit Administration was awarded nearly $1.5 million to plan for the Purple Line light rail project in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority was awarded $960,000 to study the Union Station/Civic Center Transit District, focusing on connectivity to jobs around LA’s regional transit hub and historic downtown, sustainability, and supporting equity.
The City of Homestead, Fla., was awarded $533,000 for three new bus rapid transit stations along the new South Dade TransitWay Corridor, which is under construction.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $68.9 million for the TOD Planning Program through 2026.