Rail a small factor in FTA grant program

The Federal Transit Administration Tuesday announced $25.7 million in grant money through the Alternative Analysis grant program for 24 applicants to help evaluate and select the best options for new or expanded transit systems in their communities. FTA says it reviewed 67 applications from 30 states seeking a total of $73 million in funds. The 24 winning proposals were submitted by transit agencies from across the country.

Of the 24 recipients, however, only a few appear to specifically involve rail transit. Four cities—Dallas, Kansas City, Mo., Salt Lake City, and Washington, D.C.—are advancing streetcar options or appear to be doing so; Dallas also is pursuing light rail transit expansion, as is Seattle, while Kansas City reportedly also seeks funding to study commuter rail. Other winning applications listed by FTA involve either bus transit options or are vaguely worded regarding modal choice.

“These grants will help communities explore how they can benefit from transit,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “It’s an exciting and important initial step in the planning process that helps ensure federal funding aligns with local and regional transportation priorities.”

The Alternatives Analysis grant program is the first key milestone in the FTA New Starts process – the primary source for federally funded transit projects. New Starts has provided between $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion annually for major transit construction projects in recent years; an additional $750 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds were advanced to New Starts projects in 2009.