HASTINGS, WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, BROWARD DEMOCRATIC DELEGATION CONGRATULATE BROWARD METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ON SELECTION FOR TIGER VIII GRANT AWARD

Hastings, Wasserman Schultz, Broward Democratic Delegation Congratulate Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization on Selection for TIGER VIII Grant Award

Broward MPO to receive $11.4 million for its Regional Complete Streets Initiative

Fort Lauderdale, FL – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and the Democratic Members of the Broward County Congressional Delegation released the following statement announcing the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organizations’ (MPO) selection for a TIGER VIII Discretionary Grant for its Regional Complete Streets Initiative:

“I am excited to announce that the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has been selected to receive $11,443,371 in TIGER Grant Funding for its Regional Complete Streets Initiative. Complete Streets is a critically important project for my district and Broward County, and will fill in gaps of a 70-mile portion of the bicycle and pedestrian network serving county residents,” said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, who represents the majority of areas that will benefit from TIGER funding. “Between 2011 and 2015, 381 pedestrians were killed on Broward’s roadways. This project will significantly enhance accessible and safe connections for residents in traditionally underserved communities in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Oakland Park, and Pompano Beach. I am pleased to congratulate Broward MPO on being selected for this grant, and look forward to seeing the Complete Streets Initiative in completion.”

“I was proud to personally speak with Secretary Anthony Foxx about this important TIGER grant to improve bicycle and pedestrian paths in Broward County and stress the contribution the project would make to pedestrian and bicyclists’ safety. They will help our working families get from place to place more quickly and safely – a critical issue for our region. I will continue to join my colleagues’ vocal advocacy for robust transportation investments like the TIGER program that help build our nation’s vital infrastructure needs is extremely important to meet our local economy and working families,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

“This is huge for Broward County residents and visitors,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. “This transformative grant comes as a cooperative effort among local officials, planners, members of Congress, and President Obama’s transportation team. Bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike will have safer passages that will come with new bike lanes, wider sidewalks and improved traffic signalization.”

“It is no surprise that Fort Lauderdale has become a model city for its safe and environmentally-conscious development.‎ From small businesses to traveling families, this well-deserved grant will improve the lives of thousands of people who work, live, and visit in this great city,” said Congressman Ted Deutch.

“We would like to thank our Washington delegation, our local governments and our residents who engaged on project. It will help provide safe access to jobs, education and healthcare without having to drive,” said Greg Stuart, Executive Director of the Broward MPO.

Background:

Broward County’s Complete Street Initiative will utilize TIGER funding to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including buffered bike lanes, a multi-purpose path, new ADA-compliant sidewalks, pedestrian and vehicular lighting, and landscaping.

DOT’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, known as the TIGER Discretionary Grant Program, funds capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure.

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016. This year, a total of $500 million was made available for the eighth round of the grant.

According to the Department of Transportation, since 2009, “TIGER has provided nearly $4.6 billion to 381 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 134 projects to support rural and tribal communities. Overall, the Department has received more than 6,700 applications requesting more than $134 billion for transportation projects across the country.” (https://www.transportation.gov/tiger)