Chicago's RTA announces funds for transit improvement projects

Chicago's Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) on Friday issued a call for projects for its 2016 Community Planning Program.

The program provides funding and planning assistance to local governments and the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace for implementing projects that benefit the community and the regional transit system, RTA officials said in a press release.

Eligible projects for the program include transit-oriented development (TOD) plans, transit improvement plans, zoning code updates, TOD developer discussion panels, pedestrian access improvement plans and other innovative implementation projects, RTA officials said.

Applications for the program will be accepted until noon on June 25.

Last year, 16 Community Planning Program applicants received funds totaling $810,00, with $297,000 from RTA, $368,000 in federal dollars and $145,000 in locally-matched funds.