In a major step towards sustainable transportation solutions, the Biden administration has allocated nearly $5 billion in competitive grants to support non-automotive transportation projects across all 50 states, D.C., and several U.S. territories. This significant funding will support over 500 transportation projects, primarily benefiting pedestrians and cyclists.
Focus on Non-Automotive Transportation
The grants aim to support programs such as the Reconnecting Communities Program, Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), and the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). These initiatives are designed to address the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to sustainable travel options. Approximately 20 percent of the funding is exclusively dedicated to active transportation modes, underscoring the focus on alternatives to car travel.
Reconnecting Communities Program
One of the notable programs receiving funding is the Reconnecting Communities Program. For instance, Rochester, N.Y. received $100 million for the Inner Loop Transformation project, while Baltimore secured $85 million for safety improvements and the partial removal of U.S. 40. These projects are designed to reconnect communities by removing or transforming existing infrastructure that hinders connectivity.
RAISE Program
The RAISE Program also received significant funds. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was awarded $25 million to implement a road diet and bike corridor. Similarly, cities like Tempe, AZ, Milwaukee, WI, and Seattle, WA received $25 million each for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements. Numerous rural communities, such as Martinsburg, WV, and Oklahoma City, OK, also benefited from substantial grants aimed at enhancing multiuse trails and bus stops.
Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program
The ATIIP provided Philadelphia with the largest grant of $13.7 million to complete a section of the Schuylkill River Trail. Detroit received $10.5 million for the Joe Louis Greenway, and Nashville was granted $9.4 million for the “East Nashville Spokes” project. These investments are crucial for developing active transportation networks that encourage walking and cycling.
Concerns Over Future of Programs
Despite these significant investments, there is concern among advocates about the future of these programs under the incoming Trump administration, which may not prioritize sustainable and active transportation modes. The Trump administration’s previous allocation of funds emphasized rural highway projects, raising doubts about the continuity of the current administration’s initiatives.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address modern transportation crises. He emphasized the importance of these final grants in modernizing the nation’s roads and rails, expanding the national EV charger network, and connecting communities more effectively.
Conclusion
In a landmark move toward sustainable transportation, the Biden administration has dedicated approximately $5 billion in competitive grants to advance non-automotive transportation projects across every state, Washington D.C., and various U.S. territories. This considerable investment aims to bolster more than 500 transportation initiatives, placing a strong emphasis on enhancing infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
The grants are part of a broader federal effort to reduce carbon emissions, improve public health, and foster a more environmentally friendly transportation network. By encouraging walking and cycling, the administration hopes to reduce reliance on cars, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and air pollution. Local governments will be able to use these funds to construct bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and other critical infrastructure that supports active transportation. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for urban spaces that prioritize the well-being of citizens and the environment, signifying a significant step forward in the nation’s approach to transportation.
