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RTA to Hold Funding Programs Open Houses in May |
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Call for Projects launches on April 8
CHICAGO – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will host a series of open houses for communities, counties, and transportation providers interested in the RTA’s Funding Programs. The Call for Projects begins on April 8, and the open houses will be held during the first week of May. Applications for the Funding Programs are available for download at www.rtachicago.com/programs. The website provides general background information and can be used by applicants to gain a better understanding of the programs.
Open house attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the Funding Programs, have an opportunity to discuss their project ideas with RTA staff, and review past and current projects funded through the RTA.
“We are looking for ideas of where we can enhance and improve our transit system,” said Leanne Redden, Senior Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Regional Programs. “We are looking for new and creative projects generated at the local level that improve transportation options for the northeast Illinois region, and furthering the vision and goals of the RTA Strategic Plan.”
The RTA Funding Programs target projects that will increase transit usage, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the region’s current transit system, provide for better mobility for seniors and people with disabilities, or improve job access.
The Call for Projects Open Houses will be held at the following locations:
| May 4, 3 - 6 pm |
May 5, 3 - 6 pm |
May 6, 3 - 6 pm |
May 7, 3 - 6 pm |
| RTA Conference Room |
Waukegan Public Library |
Joliet Historical Museum |
West Chicago City Hall |
| Ste. 2200 |
Ray Bradbury Room |
Caterpillar Auditorium |
Council Chambers |
| 175 W. Jackson Blvd. |
128 N. County St |
204 N. Ottawa St. |
475 Main St. |
| Chicago |
Waukegan |
Joliet |
West Chicago |
In October 2008, the RTA Board approved 43 projects through these funding programs totaling approximately $30 million, and the RTA contributed 7 percent, or $2.2 million, to the funding total. Once implemented, those projects will offer a plethora of transit benefits to applicants through transit-oriented development and local transit improvement plans, introduction of services and capital improvements.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
All projects funded through the following programs are consistent with the legislative mandates and the RTA’s updated strategic plan. The RTA programs range from planning studies and initiatives to transit operating and capital projects. RTA’s current Call for Projects are for the Community Planning, Subregional Planning, and Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC)/ New Freedom Programs only. Applications for the Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) Program will not be accepted as part of this Call for Projects.
Community Planning Program
The Community Planning Program is available to municipalities to create plans for local station area/transit-oriented development (TOD), local transit improvement, TOD guidelines, local coordinated paratransit plans and detailed implementation studies. More information regarding the Community Planning Program can be found at www.rtachicago.com/cp .
Subregional Planning Program
The Subregional Planning Program is available to counties, townships, councils of mayors, the City of Chicago, and the CTA, Metra, and Pace. Eligible planning projects include Subregional and market focused plans such as transit service restructuring studies or efforts focused on developing specific market opportunities; countywide or subregional transit improvement studies, transit-oriented development studies and paratransit studies. More information regarding the Subregional Planning Program can be found at www.rtachicago.com/srp .
Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) / New Freedom (NF) Program
The JARC/NF program is available to local governments, transportation agencies, and the CTA, Metra and Pace for operating and capital projects derived from the RTA Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) that enhance mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, and low income populations, address reverse commute markets and/or provide access to jobs. More information regarding the JARC/NF Program can be found at www.rtachicago.com/jarcnf .
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