U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $826.5 million in Fiscal Year 2012 discretionary funds to modernize and repair transit vehicles and facilities around the country and promote the widespread use of sustainable clean fuel.

The notice of funding availability (NOFA) published in the Federal Register invites competitive proposals for three of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) top policy priorities through the discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities and Clean Fuels grant programs, all subject to funding availability, as follows:

• State of Good Repair. Approximately $650 million available in FY2012 discretionary funds will bring the three-year total to $1.5 billion for over 300 projects aimed at replacing or rehabilitating transit infrastructure and for transit asset management. As transit ridership continues to increase, putting even greater demand on our transit systems, FTA will also consider maintenance facility and equipment expansion requests to help address ongoing capacity constraints that limit a transit agency's ability to maintain vehicles and equipment in a state of good repair.

• Livability. Approximately $125 million is available for projects that will improve the quality of life through expanded transportation choices, new and better intermodal connections, reduced congestion, and/or services aimed at economically disadvantaged populations, including senior citizens and people with disabilities.

• Clean Fuels. Approximately $51.5 million is available to help communities meet national air quality standards that do not do so now. The program also supports the development and marketing of emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses. This year, as in years past, FTA will consider expanding the eligible applicant pool by drawing upon additional discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Program funds.

These discretionary funds are made available through FTA's Bus and Bus Facilities and Clean Fuels Programs. The public announcement of recipients receiving funds will be likely be made in July 2012. To view a complete schedule of FTA's upcoming discretionary programs, along with details on FTA's FY2012 apportionments, click here.