U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood: $20.5 Million Recovery Act Grant Will Allow Construction to Begin on Final Section of the Indianapolis Bicycle and Pedestrian Network |
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Topics: Ray LaHood
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Federal Highway Administration
21 October 2010
FHWA-58-10
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Nancy Singer
Contact: Phone: 202-366-0660
Project Will Move Forward Now that Agreement is Signed
WASHINGTON- Work can begin on the final section of the Indianapolis Bicycle and Pedestrian Network thanks to a signed agreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Indiana Department of Transportation and the City of Indianapolis for a $20.5 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made the announcement today.
The agreement allows work to begin on the remaining section of the city's downtown bicycle and pedestrian network and completion of the final 4.5 miles of the trail connecting Fountain Square in the Southeast Corridor, Washington Street in the Central Corridor and Blackford Street in the West Corridor.
"The Recovery Act not only continues to boost economies and create jobs, it creates opportunities to invest in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that improves safety for walkers and cyclists," said Secretary LaHood.
The improvements are expected to increase downtown revenue by encouraging more people to spend more time in the area and improving easy access to vendors and services.
The completed eight-mile urban bicycle and pedestrian network in the heart of Indianapolis, at the total cost of $62 million, will connect downtown neighborhoods to culture, entertainment and local businesses.
"The project will improve livability by providing more travel options for residents and visitors," Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said. "It will make the city more accessible and foster a stronger community."
The $20.5 million grant was awarded under the Recovery Act's TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program. TIGER funding is designed to promote innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that provide significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, region or the nation.
The Department announced the selection of $1.5 billion worth of TIGER grants for 51 projects as part of the one-year anniversary of ARRA on February 17.