The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced the availability of approximately $13.4 million in competitive grant funds through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. The funding will support local planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities.

TOD links public transportation, land use, and housing to create communities that are connected to transit and walkable. TOD planning can reduce transportation costs for American families and reduce their carbon footprint by improving transit access to jobs and services.

Since 2015, FTA’s TOD program has provided more than $104 million to help communities around the country plan for new opportunities around transit. Past award recipients have invested funds into creative and innovative projects, including work by Phoenix and Tempe city officials who are transforming the areas around Valley Metro streetcar and light rail routes to expand housing opportunities and build sustainable, equitable neighborhoods.

-via press release