 RTA and CMAP today will open the annual joint Call for Projects for the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) and Community Planning programs, which offer support to local governments, non-profit agencies, the region’s transit service boards, and other organizations looking to plan and implement projects that will benefit the community and the region as a whole.
While CMAP and RTA have separate planning assistance programs, applicants are able to apply to both programs with a single application – which is being offered in a simple, online only form for the first time this year. Applications are available through Thursday, October 17, at http://cmap.is/2019application.
The LTA program was created in 2011, and the RTA Community Planning program is now in its 21st year of providing assistance to communities on transit-related planning projects. Collectively, both programs have supported more than 200 projects around the region, including comprehensive plans, sustainability plans, corridor plans, and more.
Both programs encourage applicants to undertake a balanced, coordinated, and integrated approach to land use and transportation planning benefitting local communities. So proposed projects can address regional priorities, applicants are encouraged to incorporate recommendations in CMAP’s ON TO 2050 comprehensive regional plan and the RTA’s Invest in Transit regional transit strategic plan, both of which were adopted in 2018.
Both agencies have common priorities, including projects which:
- Support development of compact, walkable communities
- Match regional and local housing supply with the diversity of housing that serves the needs of the community
- Advocate for and develop policies that strengthen communities
- Incorporate market and fiscal feasibility into planning and development processes
- Encourage multi-jurisdictional partnerships and study areas
- Strengthen and make transit more competitive
- Target disinvested and economically disconnected areas (see links for maps and definitions)
- Leverage the transportation network to promote inclusive growth
Potential applicants can learn about the programs by attending a webinar at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 19. RSVP to Alex Devlin (devlina@rtachicago.org) by Wednesday, September 18, to participate.
IDOT has announced that the next Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Call for Projects, which was scheduled to open on October 1, has been postponed until late summer/early fall 2020. The call has been postponed in order to better develop a program that includes both federal funds and $50 million in supplemental state funding being set aside from the Road Fund as part of the capital bill that was passed in June.
Previously, IDOT had announced that Phase I engineering must be complete in order to apply for ITEP funding. Due to the supplemental state funding, however, this will no longer be required.
In addition, 25% of all funding must be directed toward high-need communities, as determined by community median income and total property tax base. Local match funds will also be determined on a sliding scale based on community size, median income, and total property tax base. Please see the announcement on the IDOT website for more information.
 Sent on behalf of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Click here for more information and registration.
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