Two federal grants will award close to $1.7 billion to state and local agencies to replace aging transit fleets and boost workforce development initiatives.
As part of the Biden administration’s efforts to shift the nation’s energy supplies away from fossil fuels and reduce emissions in the transportation sector, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced “nearly $1.7 billion” in funding aimed at supporting the modernization and electrification of public transit fleets in 2023. The funding, part of $7.5 billion allocated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes $1.22 billion for the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program and $469 million for the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
According to a press release from the Department of Transportation (USDOT), “Made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included historic funding to support public transportation, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for two programs that help transit agencies replace old buses, provide good-paying jobs, improve transit affordability and reliability, invest in community health and environmental justice, and contribute to the President’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
The programs require that five percent of each grant is directed to workforce development efforts to help close the staffing gap faced by many transit agencies. The grants also prioritize “projects that advance environmental justice” as defined by the Justice40 Initiative.
FTA Announces $1.7 Billion in Clean Transit Grants
The grant funding fell far short of the $8.7 billion requested by transit agencies.
Miami-Dade Building Electric Bus Operations Center
The 20-acre facility will help the county reach its goal of electrifying 20 percent of its bus fleet.
FTA Announces Disaster Relief Funding for Transit
A $212 million program is aimed at helping transit agencies and cities affected by flooding, hurricanes, fires, and other disasters maintain transit operations and boost the resilience of their systems.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service