2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
Under the legislation signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009 Minnesota was awarded nearly $600 million in federal funds for transportation.
The Metropolitan Council and Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), which compose the Metropolitan Planning Organization, had a hand in allocating and approving more than half, over $300 million, for highways, transit and transportation enhancements in the Twin Cities region. In addition, federal funds were available for wastewater collection and treatment, as well as public housing facilities.
Federal funds available for various Council activities:
Transportation
- HIGHWAYS:
The Council and TAB approved Mn/DOT’s allocation of $168 million for state road and bridge projects in the metro area. All metro-area transportation projects that receive federal funds must be included in the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
In addition, the Council and TAB approved $80 million in road projects submitted for funding by local units of government in the region. Projects included $7.5 million in transportation enhancements, including bike and pedestrian projects.
- ARRA funding for transportation projects in the region (pdf)
- TRANSIT:
The Council is allocating $70.4 million in ARRA funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for metro area transit projects, primarily bus purchases. The grant will pay for five new Metro Transit police officers. In addition, the Metro Mobility service for people with disabilities was awarded an additional grant for more fuel efficient vehicles.
- ARRA funding for transit projects.
Water/Wastewater
- ARRA funding for clean water projects will support five MCES wastewater infrastructure projects that are underway. Additional funds, administered through the Public Facilities Authority, will also be used to provide low-interest loans for other MCES infrastructure projects, reducing debt service costs and user rates for wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure and services.
- ARRA funding for wastewater and water projects.
Housing
- Public housing facility improvements are slated for the Family Affordable Housing Program through $212,000 in capital improvement funds provided in the Recovery Act.
- ARRA funding for housing projects.
