Pennsylvania DOT seeks applicants for new multi-modal funding program

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting funding applications for multi-modal transportation improvement projects under the state's new Multimodal Transportation Fund.

In fiscal-year 2014-15, PennDOT will distribute $20 million to successful applicants. The application period closes on June 30.

Eligible projects, which can cost between $100,000 and $3 million, require a 30 percent funding match from local sources. PennDOT will evaluate the applications and issue funds based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency and operational sustainability.

In addition to the $20 million in unrestricted funds, PennDOT might award grants from dedicated budget categories in the Multimodal Transportation Fund for freight-rail, aviation, port and bicycle-pedestrian projects. Through its multi-modal program, the state aims to improve freight and passenger mobility options, maximize the benefits of capital investments in all modes, promote transportation safety, spur economic development, and improve the transportation network's effectiveness and efficiency.

"Our new transportation plan benefits the entire sweep of the transportation landscape," said PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch in a press release. "This PennDOT-managed grant program … will allow us to support a wider array of improvements that can reach far down into our communities."