FTA announces over $20B in transit funding from infrastructure law

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) this week announced an over $20 billion investment in U.S. transit systems, made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

According to a news release from FTA, the new funding levels will provide 58% more funding.

“This funding will open more doors to Americans than ever before,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said in a statement. “Every time a door opens on a bus, a streetcar, a train or a ferry, it’s another chance to connect with our communities. With this announcement, we are also helping fulfill key Biden-Harris Administration priorities by addressing equity, workforce, and climate concerns and moving toward a clean, American-made transportation future.”

Full-year funding is available following Congressional passage of an FY 2022 appropriations bill in March. The new apportionment tables reflect funding increases authorized by the IIJA, allowing thousands of transit agencies to buy new buses and railcars, address their repair backlogs, modernize their fleets, and transition to new technologies to address climate change.

FTA says these upgrades will support the expansion of U.S. manufacturing due to Buy America requirements that apply to steel, iron, and other materials used in public transportation projects that receive federal assistance.

The agency says the FY 2022 full-year apportionments significantly increase funding for many programs, including:

• $6.9 billion for the Urbanized Area Formula Program, which supports transit agencies in large U.S. cities and suburbs, 29% more than the FY21 funding level
• $4.1 billion for the State of Good Repair Formula Program, 52% more than the FY21 funding level
• $893 million for Rural Area Formula grants, which support transit programs in rural areas, representing 23% more than the FY21 level
• $422 million for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program, representing 44% more than the FY21 level
• $45 million to support to transit programs run by tribal governments through formula and competitive grants, representing 25% more than the FY21 funding level
• $49 million for State Safety Oversight, representing 69% more than FY21 funding level

More information can be found on FTA’s website.