(Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County photo)

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a $40.4 million grant to the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County for the Virginia Street Bus RAPID Transit (BRT) Extension project in Reno, Nev. The transit infrastructure project will improve mobility and transit service in the Virginia Street corridor by offering higher frequency, faster, and more reliable service, along with safer and more convenient access to stations.

"This $40.4 million in federal funding will help connect residents to jobs and educational opportunities and support continued economic growth in downtown Reno," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The Virginia Street BRT Extension project expands rapid transit service by 1.8 mi. from its current northern end-point in downtown Reno to the University of Nevada, Reno. The project also upgrades 1.4 mi. of the existing BRT system from downtown Reno south to the Midtown District. The total project cost is $114.9 million including a request of $40.4 million in federal transit infrastructure grants.

"FTA is proud to join our partners in Nevada to improve public transportation in the downtown Reno area," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "The extension to the Virginia Street BRT line will provide faster and more efficient service, improving mobility for the thousands of riders who use this system every day."

Support for the Virginia Street BRT project is provided through FTA's Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program, which provides funding for major transit infrastructure projects nationwide. Transit infrastructure projects accepted into the CIG program must meet rigorous requirements in law through a multi-year, multi-step process to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds.

Since Jan. 20, 2017, FTA has advanced funding for 25 new CIG projects throughout the nation totaling approximately $7.63 billion in funding commitments. With today's infrastructure funding agreement, this Administration has executed 17 CIG funding agreements totaling more than $3.57 billion in CIG funding.

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