Pennsylvania accepting applications for multimodal transportation projects

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting applications through Nov. 8 for improvement projects under the Multimodal Transportation Fund.

Projects must combine local land use with transportation to enhance communities to qualify. Eligible projects include bicycle lanes and route designations, park and ride facilities, crosswalk safety improvements, and transit facilities.

Eligible applicants include public transportation agencies, economic development organizations, business/nonprofit organizations, public airports, airport authorities, ports and rail entities, government councils, and municipalities.

“The Multimodal Transportation Fund creates opportunities for local projects that may have otherwise had difficulty moving forward,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said.

Projects will be evaluated for technical and financial feasibility, operational sustainability, regional economic conditions, safety benefits, energy efficiency, and job creation.

PennDOT will announce grant recipients in 2020, and funding will be available in July.

In 2018, the fund awarded $43 million in grants to 49 projects in 23 counties. Projects included creating development for commercial, cultural, institutional, and industrial uses on Route 322 and the replacement and rehabilitation of a flood-damaged bridge in Luzerne County.

“Multi-modal transportation is extremely important to our communities,” said state Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks, Chester, Montgomery). “The funding through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund has helped improve sidewalks, bicycle lanes, crosswalks, and many other transportation projects that greatly benefit the 44th District.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund was created to provide funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, aviation investments, and ports and rail freight investments. The fund also allows targeted funding for priority investments.