FTA grant program to fund TOD plans that address equity, climate

The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) earlier this week announced the availability of more than $10 million in competitive grant funds under its Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. 

The funds will support comprehensive planning efforts that help connect communities, improve access to public transportation and affordable housing, and support President Joe Biden’s call to combat climate change, advance environmental justice and promote equitable delivery of benefits to underserved communities, according to an FTA news release.

The FTA will prioritize projects that will help improve air quality in nonattainment and maintenance areas for certain criteria pollutants under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and promote equitable delivery of benefits and services to underserved communities. 

Examples of eligible projects include comprehensive planning studies around station areas for new fixed guideway projects, such as light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, or bus rapid transit systems that have a designated right-of-way.

Information on previously funded projects can be found here.