Two federal grants will award close to $1.7 billion to state and local agencies to replace aging transit fleets and boost workforce development initiatives.

As part of the Biden administration’s efforts to shift the nation’s energy supplies away from fossil fuels and reduce emissions in the transportation sector, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced “nearly $1.7 billion” in funding aimed at supporting the modernization and electrification of public transit fleets in 2023. The funding, part of $7.5 billion allocated in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes $1.22 billion for the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program and $469 million for the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
According to a press release from the Department of Transportation (USDOT), “Made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included historic funding to support public transportation, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for two programs that help transit agencies replace old buses, provide good-paying jobs, improve transit affordability and reliability, invest in community health and environmental justice, and contribute to the President’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
The programs require that five percent of each grant is directed to workforce development efforts to help close the staffing gap faced by many transit agencies. The grants also prioritize “projects that advance environmental justice” as defined by the Justice40 Initiative.

The End of Single-Family Zoning in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County is the latest jurisdiction in the country to effectively end single-family zoning.

‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford to Oversee Amtrak’s High-Speed Rail Efforts
Byford, who formerly ran NYC Transit and Transport for London, could bring renewed vigor to the agency’s plans to expand regional rail in the United States.

Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations
An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.

Immigration Grows, Population Drops in Many U.S. Counties
International immigration to the country’s most populous areas tripled even as major metropolitan areas continued to lose population.

$616 Million in Development Incentives Approved for District Detroit
The “Transformational Brownfield” incentives approved by the Detroit City Council for the $1.5 billion District Detroit still require approval by the state.

Affordable Housing Development Rejected for Lack of Third Staircase in Connecticut
The New Canaan Planning Commission rejected a development proposal, including 31 below-market-rate apartments, for lack of a third staircase, among other reasons, at a time when advocates are pushing to relax two-staircase requirements.
Houston-Galveston Area Council
City of Malibu
Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Spearfish
City of Lomita
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