Federal Updates
Build America Bureau Opportunities The U.S. DOT Build America Bureau supports transportation infrastructure development projects by providing technical assistance and access to credit and grant programs. Two programs are described below: the Thriving Communities Program and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program. Funded with $25 million through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, the new Thriving Communities Program provides technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to teams of community partners to scope, fund, and develop infrastructure projects that address transportation, equity, environmental, health and safety, housing, and/ or economic challenges or needs in the community. Selected communities will receive two years of deep- dive technical assistance to plan and develop a pipeline of comprehensive transportation, housing, and community revitalization activities. Entities interested in receiving this free support through the Thriving Communities Program must identify community partners and together submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) by December 6, 2022 to be considered for selection. The lead applicant organization may be a transit agency, metropolitan planning organization, or state or local government. Examples of community partners include non-profit organizations, private sector companies, philanthropies, and community-based organizations.
The Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) is one of Build America Bureau’s credit programs, which offers low-cost and flexible financing for transit and transit-oriented development (TOD) projects. Transportation Infrastructure A new initiative, TIFIA 49 , authorizes borrowing up to 49% of eligible project costs for projects that are at least $10 million in size. Transit projects are those eligible for assistance under Chapter 53 of Title 49, U.S. Code and include capital projects or associated improvement infrastructure or vehicles for public transportation systems, including but not limited to bus, subway, light rail, commuter rail, or trolley. TOD projects are those eligible for assistance under 23 U.S.C. § 601(a) (12)(E), and include improving or building public infrastructure that is either (1) located within walking distance (approximately 1/2-mile) of, and accessible to, a fixed guideway transit facility, passenger rail station, intercity bus station, or intermodal facility, including transportation, public utility, or joint development projects, and related infrastructure; or (2) for economic development, including commercial and residential development, and related infrastructure and activities. For more information on the Thriving Communities Program: https://www. transportation.gov/grants/thriving-communities » For more information on TIFIA 49 : https://www. transportation.gov/buildamerica/TIFIA49 » » For more information on Build America Bureau : https://www.transportation.gov/buildamerica/
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Maryland Transit Update
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