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FY2024 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 $950,000 for the development of a plan for Transit-Oriented Development along the future East-West BRT corridor. The total project amount is estimated at $950,000; the local match is 20% with the RTA not to exceed $190,000.
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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. RTA has committed to expanding its Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) activities in its updated Strategic Mobility Plan (SMP) through the following actions within the “Be Equitable” goal:
• CO27 - Create a Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) program and plan, including consideration of property owned privately and by other public agencies;
• CO28 - Work with local governments to implement and encourage TOC with zoning overlays and other tools;
• CO29 - Work with regional and state organizations to encourage developers to build TOC in preferred areas with affordable housing;
• SH3 - Increase ridership through marketing campaigns, TOC initiatives, and regional coordination.
The TOD Pilot Program grant funding would enable the RTA, in partnership with the City of New Orleans and other local public agencies, 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 future and previous investments and support their long-term success.
The grant application would also include support for the TOD working group, a cross-agency initiative hosted by the City of New Orleans in partnership with the RTA, which would function to develop and implement TOD policies and programs for New Orleans in coordination with other public agencies and community members.
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 and other local public entities such as New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, Housing Authority of New Orleans, and Finance New Orleans.
RTA was unsuccessful in its previous application (FY23) for this program. After a recent debrief the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provided RTA feedback to strengthen its application for this fiscal year (FY24) and was encouraged to re-apply.
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DISCUSSION:
Staff is requesting federal funding not to exceed $950,000 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.
This grant opportunity enables applicants to achieve a lower match (10% or 0%) if the proposed project meets requirements relating to the provision of affordable housing and reducing homelessness. The RTA’s application will request the lower match and demonstrate how the application meets those requirements. However, the RTA has been encouraged to demonstrate a commitment of a 20% local match as part of FTA recommendations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The RTA will be responsible for the local match not-to-exceed $190,000 over the estimated two-year delivery timeline, if the entire grant amount is awarded. Local match funds will come out of annual operating budget for plans and studies as part of Planning & Capital Projects division budget.
NEXT STEPS:
The grant application is due by 11:59pm EST on July 22, 2024
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution for FY24 TOD Pilot Program
Prepared By: Joanna Farley, jfarley@rtaforward.org
Title: Senior Transportation Planner
Reviewed By: Dwight Norton, dnorton@rtaforward.org
Title: Chief Planning & Capital Projects Officer
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson-Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
6/21/2024
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer