Federal LadderSTEP program to aid projects in 7 cities

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said April 23 that LadderSTEP, a new technical assistance program, is aimed at assisting seven cities in developing transportation projects that will lead to long-term economic development.

“Transportation plays a critical role in connecting Americans and communities to economic opportunity,” Foxx said. “This pilot program is not only about helping seven cities achieve their visions for projects, but also about demonstrating that transportation infrastructure is about the people that use it and not just the equipment needed to build it.”

The LadderSTEP program will be launched in Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Richmond.

LadderSTEP is part of the Ladders of Opportunity initiative, a larger U.S. Department of Transportation program to analyze how transportation infrastructure can assist Americans with obtaining and retaining employment, which in turn translates to better quality of life.