The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced it will begin accepting applications for funding transportation improvement projects under the Multimodal Transportation Fund.
"The fund allows us to assist communities with needed transportation improvements that otherwise may not move forward," said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. "This process represents an opportunity for worthwhile local projects to secure the support needed to come to fruition."
PennDOT will evaluate the applications and make selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.
The Multimodal Fund was created by Act 89, enacted in November 2013, Pennsylvania's far-reaching transportation funding plan. The fund addresses road and bridge projects. Also through the fund,transit, aviation, rail freight and pedestrian and bicycle modes obtained dedicated sources of funds for the first time, putting the modes on a firmer footing for future initiatives.
PennDOT has $40 million in grants available for fiscal year 2017-18. Applications are due by December 16, 2016. PennDOT expects to announce grant recipients next year for the funding that becomes available in July 2017. PennDOT on Friday announced the grant recipients for the 2016-17 year.