Showing posts with label DRPT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DRPT. Show all posts

Friday, April 25, 2014

City of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia Request Federal Grant

turn_ins_02
turn_ins_02 (Photo credit: james4765)
RICHMOND – Today Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC), the City of Richmond and Henrico County are collaborating on a TIGER grant application for funding to construct the Broad Street Bus-Rapid Transit system. The 7.5 mile Broad Street BRT system would improve reliability and travel times for transit riders, and support economic development throughout the Broad Street Corridor. 
 “Improving and expanding Virginia’s transportation system in order to grow our economy is one of my highest priorities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Richmond BRT is exactly the type of project that we should be advancing to improve the lives of the Virginians we serve. It will be affordable, provide Richmond residents with more transportation choices and help link people with businesses and jobs across the region.” 

The Richmond BRT route would travel along Broad Street from Willow Lawn through the heart of the capital region, connecting VCU campuses, providing access to employment and businesses, making healthcare facilities accessible, and offering convenient transportation to tourist attractions within the region.  The project would provide a one-time local benefit of $41.5 million, while also creating 406 jobs for the area.  The annual economic benefit is anticipated to be $7 million. 

“Transportation is an essential part of daily life,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones.  “Linking the regional economy together through a better transportation network is something we’ve been working toward for the employment and economic development needs of our city, and the Richmond BRT project is a critical and important step in that regard.”

The Richmond BRT project has been in development since 2009 and is expected to be ready for design in the near future.  The design phase of the project will cost $4 million, and is planned to be funded with a mix of state-controlled federal funding, state funding, and local funds coming from the City of Richmond.  The total cost of final design and construction will be $49.8 million.  GRTC, as the project sponsor, is working with DRPT, the City of Richmond and Henrico County to submit an application for funding through the TIGER Discretionary Grant program. 

The TIGER grant program is a highly competitive federal grant program investing in road, rail, transit and port projects across the nation that deliver five long-term outcomes: safety, economic competitiveness, state of good repair, livability and environmental sustainability.  There is $600 million in available funding for this year’s program, and the Richmond BRT project is seeking $24.9 million of this funding, which is 50% of the cost of the project.  The remaining construction costs would be split among DRPT, the City of Richmond and Henrico County. 

The Commonwealth should know by the fall whether the Richmond BRT project will be awarded any TIGER Grant funding, and all parties involved remain positive that the project will continue to be competitive and will obtain funding to see it through to fruition.  A round of public meetings is scheduled for May 20th and 21st in Richmond to provide the public an opportunity to comment.  Additional information regarding the BRT project can be found at www.study.ridegrtc.com
Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Releases Draft

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Releases Draft Virginia Statewide Rail Plan for Public Review and Comment

-Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan is available here-

RICHMOND –Governor McDonnell announced today that  the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) released the Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan for public review and comment.  The comprehensive plan will provide a defined vision for passenger and freight rail transportation in Virginia through 2040.  It profiles the Commonwealth’s current rail assets, services, and capacity chokepoints. Recommended improvement projects are included as part of the Rail Resource Allocation Plan, a tool that establishes funding sources, funding needs, and phasing for rail projects. Projects were identified using public and stakeholder input, and extensive evaluation of future population and employment trends, land use, and travel demand.

            “DRPT continues to demonstrate its effectiveness by improving and adding rail service in the Commonwealth despite major policy changes at the national level,” said Governor McDonnell.  “This plan shows how a small agency of dedicated individuals can maximize state’s resources to move passengers and goods efficiently, buoyed by the landmark transportation funding legislation signed into law this spring.”   

            “The Virginia Statewide Rail Plan provides a vision that will help guide the Commonwealth towards meeting its transportation goal of moving people and goods efficiently and effectively,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

            The Draft 2013 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan is posted online for a 30-day public review and comment period and can be viewed here. Comments received before 30 days will be summarized in the Plan.  Please direct comments to the Department’s public information office at drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov  or at the address below.

Department of Rail & Public Transportation
600 East Main Street, Suite 2102
Attention: Public Information Office – VSRP Comments

            DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please visit the website at www.drpt.virginia.gov or contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Linda Maiden, 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.

About Department of Rail and Public Transportation:
The Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services.

Enhanced by Zemanta