VRT awarded $8.5 million federal grant for State Street improvements

VRT was awarded an $8.5 million competitive federal grant Thursday for improvements to the State Street corridor.

The grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, will be matched by about $2 million in local contributions to construct transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities along a six- and- one-half- mile section of State Street/State Highway 44 from downtown Boise to Bogart Lane.

The project will include upgraded and accessible bus stations, on-route electric bus charging, real-time bus arrival displays, ticketing machines, improved lighting, a multi-use path, improved wheelchair access and infrastructure, and additional street crossings for bicycles and pedestrians. VRT is one of 166 recipients nationwide to receive RAISE grants from this year’s $2.2 billion program.

“This grant will allow VRT and our partners to make much-needed investments in a crucial transportation corridor,” said Kelli Badesheim, VRT’s Executive Director. “We will experience improved transit speed and reliability, enhanced accessibility and safety, and more comfortable and consistent travel for anyone using State Street. This will also provide an excellent foundation as we work toward a premium level of bus service.”

State Street is one of a handful of transit corridors that have been identified for premium bus service, which would feature 15-minute bus arrivals all day at upgraded bus stations. VRT anticipates project design to begin next spring and hopes to start construction the following summer.

“This award represents years of work and coordination across the region,” Badesheim said. “It would not have been possible without the support and funding from our partners and co-sponsors.” Co-sponsors and funders include the City of Boise, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Ada County Highway District (ACHD), and the Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC). The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) also provided substantial planning and development assistance.

Lauren McLean, Mayor, City of Boise

“Getting people moving more easily on State Street has been one of our top priorities so we’ve made it a key focal point in our work with local and federal partners. This investment, and the impact it will have on the lives of the people who live, work and play in our community, is the result of a coordinated effort between the US Department of Transportation, the White House, Idaho’s Congressional Delegation and local partners, including the Idaho Department of Transportation, the City of Boise, Valley Regional Transit, ACHD, CCDC, and COMPASS. This investment in one of our city’s major transportation corridors is a great example of what we can accomplish by working together.”

 

Ron Duran, Public Transportation Manager, ITD

“We are pleased and excited to receive the news that VRT has been awarded funding under the RAISE Grant program for transit improvements on the State Street Premium Corridor. ITD is proud to partner with VRT as a co-sponsor and financial partner on this project, and these funds will go a long way toward much needed inter-modal connection improvements in this vital transit corridor.”

 

Mary May, Commission President, ACHD

“As proud sponsors for VRT’s Raise Grant Application, the Ada County Highway District pledged financial support to acquire the right of way for this important project that will unquestionably benefit vulnerable populations while enhancing transportation options for all users.  We congratulate our VRT partners in achieving this critical milestone and look forward to their success.”

 

John Brunelle, Executive Director, CCDC

“Improvements in bus stop infrastructure as well as bicycle and pedestrian connections to public transportation will directly benefit the hundreds of thousands of walk, bike, and transit trips along the State Street corridor each year. Together with investments in electrification, these transit investments will enhance livability, economic opportunity, and increase safety while reducing auto dependence for those who live and work along the state street corridor.”

 

Matt Stoll, Executive Director, COMPASS

“The State Street corridor is the top public transportation priority in Ada and Canyon Counties’ long-range transportation plan, Communities in Motion 2040 2.0. The improvements funded through this grant will help meet long-range plan goals while connecting underserved populations with jobs, schools, shopping, and more.”

More information about VRT’s RAISE grant application and associated work on State Street can be found at buildabetterstatestreet.org.