Continuing his series examining the changes and new provisions detailed in the new federal surface transportation bill, Jason Jordan, APA's Director of Policy and Government Affairs, looks at the new Transportation Alternatives program.
Replacing the Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Scenic Byways programs from the prior comprehensive funding bill (SAFETEA-LU), the new Transportation Alternatives (TA) program was one of the most contentious pieces of the MAP-21 negotiations. So where did the final bill land?
Although funding for the program continues to be dedicated (albeit at FY 2009 levels), "The major compromise reached on Transportation Alternatives is to
essentially expand both flexibility for states and control for
metropolitan regions," writes Jordan. The new program expands the types of projects eligible for funding and gives each state an avenue to "transfer its balance of unobligated funding to other
projects."
According to Jordan, "Supporters of TA-eligible projects will have new opportunities to pursue
local projects funding through the 50 percent set aside for metro
areas. But, these same supporters will have to pressure states to ensure
that vital bike, pedestrian, and safety resources are not siphoned off
to other projects by state officials."
FULL STORY: Inside MAP-21: Transportation Alternatives
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.