Buttigieg Recommends Nearly $4.5 Billion To Move New Public Transit Services Forward

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the department is recommending $4.45 billion both to advance seven new rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) projects for first-time funding and to continue funding for eight projects with existing construction grants in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. 

These projects, which require a local match, competed for funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program and Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) Pilot Program.

“Public transit creates jobs, reduces traffic and pollution, and lowers the cost of living for people in the community,” said Buttigieg. “With this funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can help support transit projects all over the country that will improve the lives of millions of Americans.”

In addition to recommending projects for FY 23 appropriations, FTA’s FY 2023 Annual Report on Funding Recommendations identifies projects that will receive funding through the CIG and EPD Pilot Programs for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as funding provided in Fiscal Year 2022 through the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Through this combination of FY 2022 and FY 2023 funding, FTA said it can accelerate payments to projects, completing the Federal commitment for 25 projects.

“FTA looks forward to working with communities across the country to provide exciting new transit options,” said Nuria Fernandez, FTA administrator. “These investments support President Biden’s commitment to combat climate change while also improving safety, advancing equity, and improving quality of life for millions of Americans.”

This announcement, consistent with the President’s FY 2023 budget, includes first-time funding recommendations for seven transit projects in six states, including:

In California, the East San Fernando Valley Corridor Phase 1 light rail project is recommended for EPD Pilot Program funding. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposes to construct a 6.7-mile light rail project with 11 stations, nine traction power substations, an overhead contact system, new vehicles, and a maintenance and storage facility. (First-time funding recommendation for $250 million)

In California, the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II heavy rail project is recommended for EPD Pilot Program funding. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority proposes to extend BART service six miles from the Berryessa Station through downtown San Jose to Santa Clara. The project includes four stations, five miles of subway tunnels, new heavy rail vehicles, two mid-tunnel ventilation and egress facilities, and a storage yard and maintenance facility. The project is being implemented by VTA in partnership with BART. (First-time funding recommendation for $200 million)

In New York/New Jersey, the Hudson Tunnels commuter rail project is recommended for CIG funding. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in cooperation with the Gateway Development Commission, New Jersey Transit Corporation, and Amtrak, propose the construction of a new two-track heavy rail tunnel along the Northeast Corridor between New Jersey and Manhattan’s Penn Station. The project includes the Hudson Yards right-of-way preservation project, a new Hudson Tunnel, and the rehabilitation and modernization of the existing North River tunnel. The project is part of the Northeast Corridor Gateway Program, a series of strategic rail infrastructure investments designed to improve current service and create new capacity. These funds will not be allocated to the Hudson Tunnel project until the project sponsor meets statutory requirements for receipt of Federal funds. (First-time funding recommendation for $100 million)

In New York, the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 heavy rail project is recommended for CIG funding. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) proposes to extend heavy rail subway service 1.5 miles along the East Side of Manhattan. The project is the second of four planned sections of the Second Avenue Subway and connects the northern end of Phase 1 at 96th Street to the overcrowded Lexington Avenue Line at 125th Street. The project includes three new stations and signal and communications systems. (First-time funding recommendation for $400 million)

In Tennessee, the Memphis Innovation Corridor Bus Rapid Transit project is recommended for CIG funding. The Memphis Area Transit Authority proposes an eight-mile BRT line connecting downtown, the Memphis Medical District, and the University of Memphis. The project includes one mile of exclusive bus lanes, off-vehicle fare collection, transit signal priority, and streetscape and pedestrian improvements. The project will link activity centers from downtown to the University of Memphis and provide convenient and reliable access to jobs, education, health services, and civic centers. (First-time funding recommendation for $46 million)

In Texas, the Advanced Rapid Transit North South Corridor Bus Rapid Transit project is recommended for CIG funding. VIA Metropolitan Transit proposes an 11.7-mile BRT line from the San Antonio International Airport through downtown San Antonio, to Steves Avenue in the south connecting to San Antonio International Airport, San Antonio College, VIA Metro Center, Downtown San Antonio and dense commercial and residential areas. (First-time funding recommendation for $158 million)

In Washington, the Seattle RapidRide J Line Bus Rapid Transit project is recommended for CIG funding. King County Metro (Metro) proposes a 5.2-mile BRT line connecting the University District neighborhood to downtown Seattle as part of Seattle’s growing RapidRide BRT system. The project features real-time arrival information, off-board fare collection, 2.3 miles of exclusive BRT lanes, and transit signal priority. The corridor includes major destinations including the University of Washington, South Lake Union, Seattle’s central business district, and the International District, with intermodal connections to light rail, monorail, commuter rail, Washington State Ferries, and the Seattle Streetcar. (First-time funding recommendation for $60.1 million)

The President’s FY 2023 budget also includes proposed funding for eight projects with existing construction grant agreements, including:

In California:

• $813 million recommended for the existing Los Angeles Westside Subway Sections 1-3 rail projects.
• $241 million recommended for the existing San Diego Mid-Coast Light Rail transit project.

In Minnesota:

• $250 million recommended for the existing Minneapolis Southwest Light Rail Transit project.

In New Jersey:

• $339.5 million recommended for the existing Secaucus Portal North Bridge rail project.

In Washington:

• $318 million recommended for the existing Seattle Federal Way Link Light Rail extension project.
• $250 million recommended for the existing Seattle Lynwood Link Light Rail extension project.