Senators Propose $4 Billion for Transit-Oriented Development Grants
Making good on a vow first reported in Streetsblog Capitol Hill, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) and three colleagues today offered a bill authorizing $4 billion in grants to help states and cities pursue transit-oriented development, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and other green transport projects.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) (Photo: Washington Note)The legislation aims to put some teeth in the goals of the inter-agency Sustainable Communities effort that the Obama administration launched earlier this year. Dodd's plan would create an office within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to spearhead the work and administer two new competitive grant programs.
The first, slated for $400 million over four years, would help states and cities implement regional plans that integrate sustainable housing, transportation, and community development.
The second, slated for $3.75 billion over three years, would assist localities in making their plans materialize, from affordable housing to bike-ped access. Both grant programs would need to be separately funded through appropriations bills, but authorizing the spending is a crucial first step.
The bill is co-sponsored by Banking panel Democrats Robert Menendez (NJ), Michael Bennet (CO), and Jeff Merkley (OR). Here is Dodd's statement on the measure:
Asour communities grow, people are commuting longer distances on more crowdedroadways. Those are precious hours theycould be spending with their families, and precious dollars wasted ongas. We must change the way we plan for the future of our communities andtackle these challenges with a coordinatedstrategy.
A House counterpart bill has yet to be introduced.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
If Thursday’s Headlines Build It, They Will Come
Why can the U.S. quickly rebuild a bridge for cars, but not do the same for transit? It comes down to political will and a reliance on consultants.
Wider Highways Don’t Solve Congestion. So Why Are We Still Knocking Down Homes for Them?
Highway expansion projects certainly qualify as projects for public use. But do they deliver a public benefit that justifies taking private property?
Kiss Wednesday’s Headlines on the Bus
Bus-only lanes result in faster service that saves transit agencies money and helps riders get to work faster.
Freeway Drivers Keep Slamming into Bridge Railing in L.A.’s Griffith Park
Drivers keep smashing the Riverside Drive Bridge railing - plus a few other Griffith Park bike/walk updates.
Four Things to Know About the Historic Automatic Emergency Braking Rule
The new automatic emergency braking rule is an important step forward for road safety — but don't expect it to save many lives on its own.
