PennDOT to accept applications for multimodal grant funding

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will begin accepting funding transportation improvement project applications under the Multimodal Transportation Fund, basing final selections on projects’ anticipated energy-efficiency, economic and technical feasibility, and sustainability.

Act 89 established a dedicated Multimodal Transportation Fund to stabilize funding for ports and rail freight, increase aviation investments, establish dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and allow targeted funding for priority investments in any mode.

“When we were developing Act 89 of 2013, the state’s historic transportation funding bill, we recognized the importance and need of promoting multimodal investments,” state Sen. John Rafferty, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said. “The Multimodal Transportation Fund is an innovative, sustainable funding alternative to improve transit, aviation, rail freight, bicycle and pedestrian alternatives and other transportation-related projects in this commonwealth.”

With $40 million in grants available for fiscal 2016-17, PennDOT plans to announce grant recipients early next year for funding available starting July 2016. Applications are due by Dec. 18.

“I am impressed by the level of interest in the Multimodal Transportation Fund that is transforming how we invest more wisely in an interconnected transportation system that creates jobs and strengthens economic growth in Pennsylvania,” Rafferty said