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FY23 TOD Pilot Program Grant Application
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DESCRIPTION: Application for grant funding to develop a plan for TOD along the future East-West BRT Corridor |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to seek federal funds not to exceed the amount of $1,000,000 for the development of a plan for Transit-Oriented Development along the future East-West BRT corridor. The total project amount is estimated at $1,000,000; the local match is 20% with the RTA not to exceed $200,000.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The RTA has adopted a preferred route for its first BRT route and has been accepted into the Small Starts Capital Improvement Grant (CIG) program to receive federal funding for the construction of the route. Research has shown that investment in a BRT route can significantly impact development trends and land values around it. The TOD Pilot Program grant funding would enable the RTA, in partnership with the City of New Orleans, to ensure that development around the BRT is transit-supportive in use and design, and that it can support equity outcomes by facilitating the development of affordable housing and space for local businesses. By establishing a plan that considers land use regulations, development incentives and financing models along the BRT corridor, the RTA can optimize the investment in BRT and support its success.
The grant application would also include support for the TOD working group, a cross-agency initiative hosted by the City of New Orleans, which would function to develop and implement TOD policies for New Orleans in coordination with community members.
If awarded, project activities funded by this grant will include a deep dive into the existing conditions and all the different tools - including land use regulations - available to create a transit-oriented corridor around the BRT route. The project would result in recommendations for how to use these tools along the corridor.
The RTA is eligible to apply for this opportunity because of the current status of the BRT project. Grant requirements necessitate that the RTA be the lead applicant for the grant, though it will be completed and implemented in partnership with the City of New Orleans.
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DISCUSSION:
Staff is requesting federal funding not to exceed $800,000 for the creation of a TOD plan for the BRT corridor and support of the TOD working group. This grant would support the RTA’s actions and goals about TOD in the Strategic Mobility Plan and enhance the benefits offered by the future East-West BRT line, once built.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The RTA will be responsible for the local match not-to-exceed $200,000 over the estimated two-year delivery timeline, if the entire grant amount is awarded.
NEXT STEPS:
The grant application is due by 11:59 pm EST on October 10th, 2023.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
Prepared By: Joanna Farley, jfarley@rtaforward.org
Title: Senior Transportation Planner
Reviewed By: Dwight Norton
Title: Interim Chief of Infrastructure, Planning and Information Technology
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
9/19/2023
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer