Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced today that the Biden-Harris Administration has recommended $46 million for the Memphis Innovation Corridor Project, a proposed eight-mile bus rapid transit route connecting downtown to the University of Memphis and providing convenient and reliable access to jobs, education, health services, and civic centers. The project includes one mile of exclusive bus lanes, off-vehicle fare collection, transit signal priority, and streetscape and pedestrian improvements.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“This transit funding will transform the way Memphians get to work. It will provide riders convenient and reliable access while also reducing congestion and improving travel time. It is an important investment in our community, and I’m proud to have supported and pushed for this critical funding”
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland made the following statement:
“I couldn’t be happier to have gotten this news. This is a project we have been working towards for a long time that will link downtown, the Memphis Medical District, and the University of Memphis and provide convenient and reliable access to jobs, education, and health services. Thanks to the Biden Administration, Congressman Cohen, and their teams for all their hard work to help us receive this meaningful funding.”
Memphis Area Transit Authority CEO Gary Rosenfeld made the following statement:
“The Bus Rapid Transit project is an important step in reimagining transit in Memphis. This robust investment will expand transit options that enhance connectivity, provide more extensive and efficient mobility options, and serve as a catalyst for regional development and growth. I would like to thank all of our stakeholders for their efforts including the City of Memphis, Shelby County and Congressman Cohen’s office for their efforts and support.”
The Biden-Harris budget includes $4.45 billion both to advance seven new rail and bus rapid transit projects for first-time funding and to continue funding for eight projects with existing construction grants in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. These projects, which require a local match, competed for funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program and Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) Pilot Program. The CIG Program and EPD Pilot Program are the Federal government’s primary grant programs supporting transit capital projects that are locally planned, implemented, and operated.
Original source can be found here.
