FTA: 25 HOPE Projects to Share $8.5MM

The Federal Transit Administration is awarding 25 projects in 17 states a share of approximately $8.5 million in funding through the Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) program.

The program’s objective, said FTA, is “to use transit systems as a springboard to create better lives for people in rural communities and areas experiencing long-term economic distress.”

HOPE grant recipients will receive funding for planning and technical studies to improve transit, such as evaluating new routes, creating new connections and incorporating modern technologies.

Only one of the 25 selected projects is rail-transit specific. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will receive $495,000 to “plan and design a comprehensive upgrade of transportation infrastructure on the Grays Avenue Corridor, which provides critical transportation connections from one of Philadelphia’s poorest communities to Center City jobs, health care and other services. The project will redesign SEPTA trolley stations to improve accessibility and add safety features, such as improved pedestrian crosswalks and traffic controls.”

“We are pleased to partner with these grant recipients to find new ways to help rural residents reach the jobs and critical services they need, particularly during the COVID-19 public health emergency,” FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said.

In other developments, FTA has made $10 million in grant funding available to tackle COVID-related operational challenges.