USDOT puts money where its mouth is.

As I have discussed in previous posts, the federal administration has been moving forward in a collaborative fashion to develop place-based strategies for funding projects and programs.  This was initially indicated by the formation of the "Sustainable Communities Partnership" program between the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency.  Now, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the availability of $280 million for urban circulator projects such as streetcars, buses, and bus facilities.  As the Secretary notes,  “This represents a significant effort to promote livable communities, improve the quality of life for more Americans and create more transportation choices that serve the needs of individual communities,” Secretary LaHood said.  “Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects will stimulate America’s neighborhoods to become safer, healthier and more vibrant.”  Look for more of these types of actions and policies in the future.