FTA awards HOPE grants to Oregon Metro, SEPTA

(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/12/2020)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) earlier this month awarded the Metro Regional Government in Portland, Oregon, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) grants for transit projects that improve rural communities and areas experiencing long-term economic distress.

Portland’s Metro was awarded a $850,000 Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) grant to fund community engagement efforts for the development in the 16-mile Tualatin Valley corridor, and to inform the design of transit projects along the corridor.

The Tualatin Valley corridor connects several communities, including Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, Aloha, Beaverton and Portland. The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon’s (TriMet) WES commuter-rail line serves Beaverton and Tualatin.

TriMet has identified the corridor as a “key corridor to increase transit ridership,” Metro officials said.

The FTA also awarded SEPTA $495,000 to plan and design rail stations in the Grays Avenue Corridor with improved accessibility and added safety features, such as upgraded pedestrians crosswalks and traffic controls.

To view all 25 transit projects awarded HOPE grants, click here.