$46 million in grants to fund statewide Tennessee multimodal projects

January 17, 2024

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has awarded $46 million through three grant programs supporting multimodal transportation projects across the state. The funding comes through a combination of state and federal grants from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant program and the Multimodal Access Grant (MMAG) program.

TAP is a federal initiative that provides support for local transportation projects that improve pedestrian and biking facilities, enhance viewing areas, preserve historic facilities, landscape areas and undertake other non-traditional projects. Recently, TDOT granted $15.2 million from TAP to seven Tennessee communities for 2024. The funds will be used to improve sidewalks, revitalize downtown areas and restore community spaces.

TDOT has awarded over $400 million in grants through TAP since 1991. In 2023, TAP allocated $19.9 million to 20 communities to improve pedestrian and biking trails, green spaces and depots. Application cycles occur once a year, starting Aug. 1 and running through the first Friday in October.

The IMPROVE Transit Grant program is a state-funded program that enables transit agencies to build facilities and expand transit options to reduce congestion, improve ridership and increase safety. TDOT awarded $18.8 million to 10 transit agencies to buy replacement vehicles and equipment, improve transit infrastructure and build transit facilities.

The Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) was awarded $7.5 million, representing the largest allocation of funds from the IMPROVE Transit Grant program. Nashville MTA will use $5 million to design and build bus stops on the city’s High Injury Network. The funding covers easements, property acquisitions and extensive civil construction. The remaining $2.5 million will go to the Hickory Hollow Transit Center, a project to convert the area’s former mall into a transit center and mobility hub.

TDOT has provided almost $88 million through the IMPROVE Transit Grant program since 2018, funding nearly 100 capital transit projects. In 2023, TDOT allocated $20.6 million to 12 projects to improve ADA compliance, buy and rehabilitate electric buses, develop transit centers and improve pedestrian infrastructure safety.

MMAG is a state program that funds infrastructure projects that support pedestrian, bicyclist and transit user transportation needs along state routes. TDOT awarded $12.53 million for 12 projects. These projects will improve pedestrian infrastructure, lighting and ADA compliance while also establishing multi-use paths, building “complete streets” and implementing intersection signalization.

The MMAG awarded $26.6 million to 27 local transportation projects in 2022. The next application cycle is expected to open in spring 2024.


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Adam Rollins

Adam Rollins brings his expertise as a Researcher and Writer to the Managing Editor role for several of SPI's key publications, including Government Contracting Pipeline, Texas Government Insider, and the latest addition, Government Market News. With a rich background as a freelance Content Specialist, Adam has honed a passion for learning and information gathering, delving into various industries. His research and writing have spanned a range of topics, from artificial intelligence (AI) technology, conservation, and project outsourcing, to managed IT services and software development.

Holding a bachelor's degree in English from Texas State University, Adam's proficiency in message development is complemented by his robust research skills and seasoned writing experience. These attributes make him an invaluable asset to SPI, ensuring the delivery of insightful and impactful content to the company's clientele.

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