Today is the deadline to apply for grants for transit-oriented development projects.

From the Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s press release (pdf):

Today the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the One Region Funders? Group announced a new community assistance grant program designed to help municipalities develop more equitable, sustainable, and transit-friendly communities.

The program intends to encourage transit oriented development, or mixed use development within a fourth to half mile of a train or bus station, by offering financial support to municipalities ready to address the linkages between affordable housing, energy efficiency and development near transit stations. Up to ten small grants will be awarded to communities across downstate New York and Connecticut. Up to five grants will be awarded in New Jersey.

"We hope this program pioneers new directions in transit-oriented development by supporting projects that are more inclusive of affordable housing, LEED certified buildings, and energy efficiency," said Mark M. Murphy, President of The Fund for New Jersey.

"Our lifestyles, environment, and economy are changing daily. We believe these grants give communities the boost they need to plan for more equitable and environmentally sound futures that are really important given the challenging economic times that we are currently facing," said Yolanda Caldera-Durant, Program Director at the Fairfield County Community Foundation and a participating member of the One Region Funders’ Group.

"We are honored to be managing this innovative program, and look forward to helping communities across the region reduce their carbon footprints by promoting diverse, walkable communities near transit hubs," said Kate Slevin, executive director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a regional policy and advocacy organization.

Applicants will be evaluated based on a set of criteria including interest in growing in population and promoting sustainable development near transit hubs. Grants could support a variety of projects, including community "visioning" processes that engage disparate stakeholders or technical expertise to help design transit oriented development projects.

The groups hope to create conditions and development outcomes that lead to more walkable and bike friendly environments, ultimately fostering a reduction in vehicle miles traveled, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in energy usage.

To complement the grant program, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign also announced an online transit-oriented development "clearinghouse" with resources and tools to help guide transit oriented development projects.

The requests for proposals are available on the Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s website. Grants will be awarded in early 2009.

The One Region Funders’ Group is a partnership of private funders from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey learning and working together to advance and support transportation planning and reform in the Tri-State region. Foundations participating in the One Region Funders’ Group and contributing toward this initiative include Fairfield County Community Foundation, Long Island Community Foundation, New York Community Trust, Rauch Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, and Westchester Community Foundation.

The Fund for New Jersey is a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting projects that enhance education, advocacy, public policy analysis and community problem-solving for the citizens of New Jersey.

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) is a non-profit organization working towards a more balanced, transit-friendly and equitable transportation system in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.