Tampa receives $1.75 million grant to accelerate major transportation projects

Major transportation news in Tampa: the city has received a $1.75 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Build America Bureau to establish and operate a Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) office that will help move the region forward on major transportation projects and transit-oriented development. Fingers are tightly crossed this means we’re one step closer to a major Tampa Streetcar extension. We’d also like to see a Tampa Brightline Station become a reality very soon.

Tampa joins state transportation departments, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional transit authorities from across the nation as the first city to become a USDOT Regional Infrastructure Accelerator. Fort Lauderdale has also been named an RIA.

“This is an important moment for our City and region when it comes to transportation infrastructure projects and transit-oriented development and puts us in a stronger position to finance critical improvements,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “I appreciate the support and commitment of the federal government in helping Tampa Bay move forward on building the transportation infrastructure we need to meet current and future demands.”

Starting with the City of Tampa projects, the RIA will assist regional agencies in developing innovative financing packages that may include federal grants, public-private partnerships, Transportation Infrastructure loans, and special districts to fund capital and operating costs for fixed-guideway transit and other transportation infrastructure projects. 

“Establishing a Regional Infrastructure Accelerator at the City of Tampa will play a key role in connecting our neighborhoods and region to jobs, businesses, and community,” said Mayor Castor. “It will also help redefine what development can look like when it’s centered around mass transit.”

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