Capital Investment Grants Program (CIG) - Core Capacity Improvement Program

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Purpose

To invest in substantial corridor improvements in areas that are at or over capacity (or will be within 10 years). This is a robust project development process not geared at maintaining a state of good repair, rather the focus is on increasing corridor capacity by 10% or more.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants are state and local government agencies, including transit agencies.

Decarbonization Considerations

While this program will fund public transit projects generally, applicants should prioritize projects that will increase ridership, reduce the need for private vehicle use, decrease vehicle miles traveled, and be in coordination with regional transit-oriented development planning. When rail projects are not possible, communities should look to deploying extensive, well-connected bus rapid transit projects that can align with local, regional, and statewide vehicle electrification plans.

Equity Considerations

See the "Equity Design Considerations for Federal Funding" for general considerations and additional sector-based resources: https://cityrenewables.org/resources/equity-design-considerations-for-federal-funding/

Helpful Tips

Can be paired with FTA's State of Good Repair funding (Section 5337 SGR Formula Funds). This can fund infrastructure repairs and deferred maintenance while the Core Capacity investments can support increased capacity.

Other Notes

To apply, submit a letter to FTA's Office of Planning and Environment. This should be a short letter that stresses project managers, staff, partners, and sponsors; amount of funding being sought and total cost, if known; committed funds to do project development; project schedule, proof that corridor is at capacity or will be in 10 years; and verification that the project will increase capacity by 10%.