The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for US DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. The TIGER grant program is also part of the federal interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities, which encourages collaboration with US EPA and HUD to help improve access to affordable housing, create more transportation options and lower Americans’ transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide. Now in its 4th round, the TIGER 2012 grants are attracting media attention nation wide.
City of Houston to receive $15 million TIGER grant
A series of bycicle and pedestrian infrastructure projects across the region will drastically improve safety and connectivity to downtown destinations.
“The jobs associated with these transportation projects will help our city’s economy continue to move forward,” said Congressman Al Green in the release.
Newark Train Station to be improved with $10 million federal grant
The Newark Train Station will be expanded into a safer, more accessible multi-modal hub, and will help advance the development of the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus.
“Improving transportation options is critical to creating more livable communities,” U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said in a statement. “This project represents a strong collaborative effort that will bring tremendous benefits to our state and the region. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners as this project moves forward.”
Harahan Project Wins $15 Million TIGER Grant
To better connect Memphis and West Memphis’ main street districts, funding will support a pedestrian and bicycle boardwalk along the Harahan Rail Bridge.
“TIGER grants, which are in their fourth round, are aimed at projects like Main Street renovations and corridors being open to multimodal transportation, including mass transit as well as pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The Center City Revenue Finance Corp. approved $2 million in funding toward the Harahan effort in March contingent on the city winning the federal funding.”
$79m in TIGER IV Port Infrastructure Grants Awarded
Eight of the TIGER 2012 grants are going directly to America’s port-related infrastructure.
“Maintaining strong ports and a strong shipping industry, together with providing funds for port projects and developing a strategy for future maritime investment, are elements that the Department of Transportation is working hard to ensure,” said American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and CEO Kurt Nagle. “We applaud DOT’s recognition of the critical role our nation’s ports play and the federal support provided in TIGER IV grants for seaports.”
Gov. Quinn and Sen. Durbin announces $10.4M TIGER grant for rail improvements
TIGER 2012 funding will contribute to the $370 million funding package of 15 local projects in the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program. All 15 of these projects are aimed at reducing congestion, shortening travel time, and creating jobs.
“Our partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and rail companies allows us to strengthen Illinois’ position as a national transportation leader,” Governor Quinn said. “These major multimodal investments will improve passenger and freight rail performance, increase safety and support thousands of jobs across our state.”
Raleigh gets $21 million federal grant for train station plan
Funds will allow the city to begin track and signal upgrades necessary for Amtrak trains to pull into the station, the first component of Union Station, which will eventually transform the vacant Dillon Supply building into a terminal with a spacious waiting hall.”
“This is a major step toward transforming not only our transportation network but also the west side of downtown,” said planning director Mitchell Silver. “We envision Union Station to be a Gateway to the South, and this grant will help us move closer to that reality.”
TIGER grant to vault West Memphis Port into the big time
After 4 years of groundwork and millions in investments in road, rail and river connections to industrial acreage south of the city, West Memphis is now in the position to become a collection point for the western part of the country.
“This was like the last mile,” said economic development director Ward Wimbish, who hopes the next big news will be an anchor tenant in the West Memphis International Rail Port Logistics Park. Added Mayor William Johnson, “It’s the missing link for the city to make full use of its rail and port capabilities.”
For more information on DOT’s TIGER program, visit their website.