| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lynda J South . 804-786-2715 BV.King@VDOT.Virginia.gov Brian King 804-786-3092 |
CO-0503 Jan. 28, 2005 |
New Funds Jumpstart Pilot Transportation Planning Program
A new State Transportation Planning Grant Pilot program is being administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Planning District Commissions (PDC) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) throughout the state can now apply for up to a $500,000 transportation planning grants.
Unlike most transportation planning funds that are primarily federal and come with regulatory, compliance and matching requirements, the 2004 General Assembly made $1.6 million available in state funds that would give regional planning organizations the flexibility to address special transportation needs, alternative modes of travel, the land use and transportation connection, and prioritization of regional transportation needs all with an objective of implementation.
This grant program encourages planning organizations to consider projects that focus on connecting people and places in unique ways, said VDOTs Jeffrey Southard, chief of policy, planning and the environment. Its a unique opportunity for PDCs and MPOs throughout Virginia to develop specific regional plans to enhance the quality of life.
Southard said examples include plans for a network of sidewalks to connect a commercial center with a residential community, or plans to improve accessibility of transit service, or a plan to provide analysis for developing criteria to objectively rank transportation recommendations for programming.
This is a great opportunity for planning organizations to think out of the box in serving their constituencies in ways that can truly make a difference to the community, said Southard.
Planning District Commissions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations have until March 11 to apply for funds under the new program. VDOT will announce grant recipients in May.
Southard said the pilot grant program is part of a special $4 million appropriation aimed at strengthening transportation planning. Of the remaining funds, $2.1 million will be used for rural rail and transit initiatives and the Acca Railroad Yard study in Richmond and $300,000 for the Charlottesville/Albemarle MPO Route 29 north corridor study, including land use and access management planning.
For information about the grant program, visit VDOTs web site at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/planningGrantProgram.asp or contact Project Coordinator Brian King in VDOTs Mobility Planning Division at 804 786-3092.
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
Unlike most transportation planning funds that are primarily federal and come with regulatory, compliance and matching requirements, the 2004 General Assembly made $1.6 million available in state funds that would give regional planning organizations the flexibility to address special transportation needs, alternative modes of travel, the land use and transportation connection, and prioritization of regional transportation needs all with an objective of implementation.
This grant program encourages planning organizations to consider projects that focus on connecting people and places in unique ways, said VDOTs Jeffrey Southard, chief of policy, planning and the environment. Its a unique opportunity for PDCs and MPOs throughout Virginia to develop specific regional plans to enhance the quality of life.
Southard said examples include plans for a network of sidewalks to connect a commercial center with a residential community, or plans to improve accessibility of transit service, or a plan to provide analysis for developing criteria to objectively rank transportation recommendations for programming.
This is a great opportunity for planning organizations to think out of the box in serving their constituencies in ways that can truly make a difference to the community, said Southard.
Planning District Commissions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations have until March 11 to apply for funds under the new program. VDOT will announce grant recipients in May.
Southard said the pilot grant program is part of a special $4 million appropriation aimed at strengthening transportation planning. Of the remaining funds, $2.1 million will be used for rural rail and transit initiatives and the Acca Railroad Yard study in Richmond and $300,000 for the Charlottesville/Albemarle MPO Route 29 north corridor study, including land use and access management planning.
For information about the grant program, visit VDOTs web site at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/planningGrantProgram.asp or contact Project Coordinator Brian King in VDOTs Mobility Planning Division at 804 786-3092.
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
Page last modified: Jan. 28, 2005
