U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced the availability of approximately $100 million in competitive grant funds through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) new Ladders of Opportunity Initiative.
These funds may be used to modernize and expand transit bus service specifically for the purpose of connecting disadvantaged and low-income individuals, veterans, seniors, youths, and others with local workforce training, employment centers, health care, and other vital services.
Program funds may be used to purchase, replace, or rehabilitate transit buses and vans as well as to modernize or construct bus facilities (such as maintenance depots and intermodal facilities) in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Competitive proposals must also directly address ladders of opportunity for riders, including:
- Enhancing access to work for individuals lacking ready access to transportation, especially in low-income communities;
- Supporting economic opportunities by offering transit access to employment centers, educational and training opportunities, and other basic needs;
- Supporting partnerships and coordinated planning among state and local governments and social, human service, and transportation providers to improve coordinated planning and delivery of workforce development, training, education, and basic services to veterans, seniors, youths, and other disadvantaged populations.
Funding for FTA’s Ladders of Opportunity Initiative is drawn from leftover/remaining discretionary grant funds originally available prior to the enactment of MAP-21, as part of FTA’s Bus and Bus Facilities Program. FTA will cover up to 80 percent of the total project cost; a 20 percent local match is required.
Complete proposals are due August 4, 2014; and must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov. View Program Information