USDOT recommends several transit-rail projects for new, continuing funding

As part of its proposed fiscal-year 2023 budget, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is recommending $4.45 billion to advance seven new rail and bus rapid transit projects for first-time funding and to continue funding for eight projects with existing construction grants, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced Monday.

The projects, which require a local match, competed for funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program and Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) Pilot Program. The transit projects will create and sustain construction and operations-related jobs, and help communities provide better and more frequent transit service, Buttgieg said in a press release.

Projects recommended for first-time funding and the suggested allocations include:
• the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 heavy-rail project, $400 million in CIG funding. The project is the second of four planned sections of the Second Avenue Subway and will connect the northern end of Phase 1 at 96th Street to the Lexington Avenue Line at 125th Street. The project includes three new stations and signal and communications systems;
• the East San Fernando Valley Corridor Phase 1 light-rail project, $250 million in EPD funding. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposes to construct a 6.7-mile light-rail line with 11 stations, nine traction power substations, an overhead contact system, new vehicles and a maintenance and storage facility;
• the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II, $200 million in EPD funding. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) proposes to extend BART service 6 miles from the Berryessa Station through downtown San Jose to Santa Clara, California. The project includes four stations, 5 miles of subway tunnels, new heavy-rail vehicles, two mid-tunnel ventilation and egress facilities, and a storage yard and maintenance facility. The project is being implemented by VTA in partnership with BART; and
• the Hudson Tunnels commuter-rail project, $100 million in CIG funding. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in cooperation with the Gateway Development Commission, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak, proposes to build a new two-track heavy-rail tunnel along the Northeast Corridor between New Jersey and Manhattan’s Penn Station. The project includes the Hudson Yards right-of-way preservation project, a new Hudson Tunnel and the rehabilitation and modernization of the existing North River tunnel. The funds will not be allocated to the Hudson Tunnel project until the project sponsor meets statutory requirements for receipt of federal funds, FTA officials said.

Projects recommended with existing construction grant agreements include:
• the L.A. Westside Subway sections 1-3 rail projects, $813 million;
• the Secaucus Portal North Bridge rail project in New Jersey, $339.5 million;
• the Seattle Federal Way Link light-rail extension project, $318 million;
• the Seattle Lynnwood Link light-rail extension project, $250 million;
• the Minneapolis Southwest light-rail transit project, $250 million; and
• the San Diego Mid-Coast light-rail transit project, $241 million.