One of the projects that USDOT and Kansas City, Mo., could move forward under a new partnership agreement is the bi-state east-west streetcar extension. Valued at $1.5 billion, it could link the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kans., in the east to the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Mo., in the west. (Screenshot of KC Streetcar video)

USDOT, Kansas City Team to Deliver Mobility, Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Oct. 24 established an Emerging Projects Agreement with Kansas City, Mo., to “explore opportunities for innovative project planning, procurement, financing and delivery” that could include using Build America Bureau-provided low-interest loans as well as technical assistance grants. Eight projects valued at more than $15 billion are being considered under the agreement; two are rail related.

Wikipedia/Oran Viriyincy

USDOT: $327MM for Sound Transit Improvements

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on May 5 announced that its Build America Bureau has provided low-interest loans totaling $327 million to the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) for improvements to the transit system.

USDOT: An Additional $24MM for RIA Program Projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on April 27 announced that its Build America Bureau will add $24 million in grants to the Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) program, bringing the total investment to $34 million to “expedite delivery of transportation infrastructure projects at the local and regional levels.”

Brightline train in Orlando. (Photo by David C. Lester)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, CTA, Sound Transit, USDOT

Ahead of service to Orlando, train testing of up to 125 mph is beginning for Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is livestreaming the morning rush service conditions on Blue Line O’Hare Branch; Sound Transit’s Link light rail extension from Tacoma to Seattle is delayed again; and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) establishes a partnership with the city of Austin, Tex., to finance mobility and Infrastructure projects, including the $7.1 billion Project Connect.

USDOT: $4.8MM for RIAs

A total of $4.8 million will be awarded under the Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) program, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported.

Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) 8-mile single-track extension of South Shore Line commuter rail service will run from Hammond, Ind., (north) to Dyer, Ind. (south) and include four new stations. (Photograph Courtesy of NICTD)

‘West Lake Corridor’ Commuter Rail Project Advancing

A $203.3 million Rehabilitation and Improvement (RRIF) Program loan will help finance and advance the 8-mile extension of South Shore Line commuter rail service in Indiana, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) reported on June 17.

A new design-build contractor team, Maryland Transit Solutions (comprising Dragados USA Inc. and OHL USA Inc.), was approved in January to work on the Purple Line Light Rail Transit Project in Maryland.

For Maryland Purple Line, $1.76B TIFIA Loan

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau has provided a TIFIA loan for up to $1.76 billion for Maryland’s long-delayed Purple Line Light Rail Transit Project.

‘Accelerators’ Grant Program Proposals Sought

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau is making available up to $5 million in grants for its Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) Demonstration Program.

For Moynihan Train Hall Project, Refinanced TIFIA Loan

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau has refinanced and increased a direct TIFIA loan to Empire State Development for the Moynihan Train Hall project in New York City.

California, USDOT Partner to Improve Supply Chain Infrastructure

The state of California and the U.S. Department of Transportation are teaming to modernize supply chain infrastructure and speed goods movement.

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