A Region Connected Project Prioritization Strategic Funding Plan
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A Region Connected Project Prioritization Strategic Funding Plan CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 1
2 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Executive Summary Page 04
Section 1:
Introduction Page 07
Section 2:
Federal Discretionary
Funding Opportunities Page 09
Section 03:
Strategic Funding
Recommendations Page 15
Central Parkway Beautification Page 19
CROWN Urban Trail Loop Page 23
Fort Washington Way Lids Page 28
I-71/75 and I-275 interchange Page 32
Millikin Way Interchange Page 36
Regional EV Charging Strategy Page 39
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber (the Chamber) undertook this
study in partnership with the region’s transportation agencies and
other key stakeholders in order to summarize, analyze, and potentially
pursue the newly available funding resulting from the enactment of
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also referred to as the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
The study has two major goals:
GOAL 01 GOAL 02
To provide the Chamber’s member Develop a strategic plan for leveraging
organizations with information regarding these new opportunities to pursue
the increased funding levels to existing funding for projects that can help deliver
transportation programs, a description the Chamber’s vision for a Connected
of the new programs created by the IIJA, Region. This report is prepared in support
and the potential for such programs to of this goal.
support local priorities. The Chamber
released a summary report on IIJA
funding opportunities in June 2022.
4 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER
This report summarizes the discretionary
The six projects detailed in this report programs available to fund the six projects
are not the sum total of projects that the selected for analysis and includes strategies to
Chamber supports or plans to support position them for successful grant applications.
for pursuit of federal funding. That list Although the recommendations are tailored
is much longer and includes critical for the specific projects, the strategies can
regional projects. For example, the Brent be applied broadly to other projects that are
Spence Bridge, the Western Hills Viaduct potentially pursuing discretionary grant dollars.
and much of the implementation of
Across the six projects evaluated and the
Reinventing Metro are projects that align
strategies developed, the importance of telling
with the Chamber's Connected Region
the projects’ “stories” is paramount and consistent
vision and have already received grants
throughout this report. All discretionary grant
thanks to the IIJA and should certainly
programs are oversubscribed and the volume
remain priorities for the region. Rather, of quality projects competing for limited dollars
these six projects were identified in part is substantial. Because of this, a key strategy
because the strategy to seek funds is less to compete for limited funding is to effectively
clear, and the Chamber’s efforts to support describe in a clear, concise, compelling manner
the project sponsors in developing that how the projects will improve the lives of
strategy helps advance the cause. Cincinnatians and further the strategic goals
of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
These narratives require coordination among
Through outreach and coordination with
stakeholders to demonstrate broad and diverse
transportation stakeholders, the Chamber
support for the projects and help them stand
identified six different projects to evaluate,
out for reviewers, improving their chances of
each of a different project type and addressing
selection for funding.
different needs. These projects are a
representative sample of the many projects
in various stages of development around our
Connected Region and serve as case studies
in positioning for transportation discretionary
funding available from the IIJA.
Although the IIJA increases transportation
funding across the board for Cincinnati with a
nearly 24 percent increase in funds distributed
by formula, the IIJA also provides for nearly
three times the amount of funding historically
available through transportation discretionary
funding programs. Because much of the formula
dollars will address project backlogs, and with
purchasing power decreased by inflation,
discretionary programs represent unique
opportunities to secure federal dollars to deliver
critical projects in the region.
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 5
This report could not have been produced without the support and guidance of
so many. The Chamber would like to thank our funding partners the Cincinnati
Business Committee, the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, and REDI
Cincinnati for their investment and support.
This work was also guided by a set of stakeholders and advisors who committed their time and
knowledge to ensure we identified and selected projects of value to the Cincinnati region.
We would like to thank the following for their engagement:
Joe Allen, GE Aerospace Kimm Lauterbach, REDI Cincinnati
Eric Beck, Hamilton County Engineer Gary Lindgren, CBC/CRBC
Jeff Berding, FC Cincinnati Candace McGraw, CVG Airport
Phil Castellini, Cincinnati Reds Mary Miller, Jancoa
Bobbi Dillon, Procter & Gamble Meeka Owens, Cincinnati City Council
Kevin Donnelly, REDI Cincinnati Kristi Phillips, CBC/CRBC
Eric Kearney, Cincinnati African Wym Portman
American Chamber Barbara Turner
Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County George Vincent, Dinsmore
Judge Executive
Tom Williams, North American Properties
We would like to thank our public partners and project sponsors and advocates for providing the
critical data and content that underpins this report. Those partners include:
Butler County Hamilton County Engineer
Butler County Regional Transit Authority Hamilton County
Butler County Transportation Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Improvement District Liberty Township
Cincinnati Department of Transportation Ohio Department of Transportation
and Engineering
Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council
CVG Airport of Governments
Development Strategies Group Southwest Ohio regional Transit Authority
Duke Energy Tri-State Trails
Government Strategies Group
6 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER
SECTION 01
INTRODUCTION
The Chamber undertook a process to understand the region’s transportation
funding, how it may be affected by the IIJA, and considering that funding, how
the region could leverage the increase to advance critical transportation projects,
consistent with the Chamber’s vision for a Connected Region. Task 1 in this process
was to develop a summary of funding opportunities created by the IIJA. The findings
of that report are summarized below:
Task 1 Federal Transportation Funding While discretionary funds still represent a
Analysis and Forecast1 small portion of the overall funding available,
this increase in funds and programs creates
Through interviews with transportation
tremendous opportunity.
stakeholders in the region as well as analysis of
funding amounts reported by the White House The funding increase is significant and will help
and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the to close the region’s current funding shortfall
team made the following findings: across all transportation infrastructure types.
However, many of the region’s agencies reported
y The region would have been allocated
that these baseline increases would not generally
approximately $250 million in federal
go beyond addressing existing deficits, and
transportation funds per year with a
noted challenges associated with leveraging
continuation of existing funding levels
these opportunities because of restrictions on
under the Fixing America’s Surface
eligible expenses, local match requirements, and
Transportation (FAST) Act.
other considerations.
y The region can expect allocations of
approximately $300 million under the IIJA. Task 2 Strategic Approach for Pursuing
Discretionary Funding Opportunities
y This represents a 24 percent increase
in baseline funding (i.e., funding that is As outlined in the Task 1 Report, the increase in
distributed by formula). baseline funding for the Cincinnati region will
address project backlogs but may be insufficient
y Formula programs were increased between
to fund the ambitious development planned
20 percent and 30 percent on average
for the region. Because of this, discretionary
(in line with expected distributions to the
programs are valuable tools in closing funding
region), but discretionary programs, which
gaps and supporting delivery of projects that
are available nationally and award funding
may have difficulty securing necessary funding
through competitive grants, increased by
through traditional means. Task 2 examines a
orders of magnitude – over the next five
representative sample of projects across the
years, approximately 300 percent more
region that could pursue discretionary funding
money is available each year in discretionary
programs under the IIJA.
transportation funds than in previous years.
1. The full Task 1 report is available on the Chamber’s website here.
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 7
ABOUT THE CONNECTED REGION
In an effort to align regional policy makers and
transportation stakeholders toward a shared vision
for transportation investments, the Chamber released
“The Connected Region” in 2018.
The goal of the Connected Region is to guide the region’s
transportation investments and policy decisions to better
connect people to jobs, education, healthcare and all that
the Cincinnati region has to offer. The vision lays out five
principles for the community to embrace:
y Invest in the Future of Public Transit
y Improve and Maintain Infrastructure
y Drive Innovation and Future-Oriented Investments
and Projects
y Provide People with Choices That Fit Their Lifestyle
y Align Regional Decision Makers Toward the Vision
The Chamber’s transportation work is supported and
advised by the Transportation Business Coalition, a
group of senior business leaders from across the
Cincinnati region.
8 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER
SECTION 02
FEDERAL DISCRETIONARY
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The IIJA provides historic levels of federal funding that will accelerate the
modernization of the nation’s roads, bridges, transit, ports, airports, and pedestrian
infrastructure. The IIJA appropriates over $257 billion for transportation funding over
the 2022 to 2026 period through a combination of increased annual formula funds
and the expansion of existing and introduction of new discretionary grant programs.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE BASELINE FUNDING INCREASE
CINCINNATI REGION? As shown in Table 1, if funding levels from
It creates an opportunity to strength the previous transportation authorization bill
partnerships among local governments, (the FAST Act) had continued, the Cincinnati
transportation providers, and the private sector region would have received an average of
to develop an implementable strategy to bring approximately $246 million per year in baseline
federal transportation funds to the Cincinnati federal funding from the FHWA and FTA over
region to accelerate the implementation of the next five years. Table 2 highlights that
projects that create a more connected region. following the passage of the IIJA, the Cincinnati
region can expect to receive an average of
As described below, there are two ways the approximately $305 million per year in baseline
increased federal funding will come to the federal funding over the next five years, which is
region: annual formula funds (baseline equivalent to a 24 percent increase.
funding) and discretionary (competitive)
grant opportunities.
Table 1: Estimated Baseline Federal Funding Continuing Pre-IIJA Levels ($ in Millions)
1500
PROGRAM 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 5 -YEAR TOTAL
1200
FHWA $211.6 $216.5 $221.5 $226.7 $231.9 $1,108.3 900
TOTAL
FHWA
600
FTA $22.8 $23.5 $24.2 $24.9 $25.7 $121.1
FTA
300
TOTAL $234.4 $240.0 $245.7 $251.6 $257.6 $1,229.4 0
Table 2: Estimated Baseline Federal Funding With IIJA increases ($ in Millions)
PROGRAM 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 5 -YEAR TOTAL 2000
1500
FHWA $267.40 $272.40 $277.40 $282.60 $287.90 $1,387.70
1000
TOTAL
FHWA
FTA $27.50 $28.10 $28.80 $29.40 $30.20 $144.10
FTA
500
TOTAL $294.9 $300.5 $306.2 $312.0 $318.1 $1,531.8 0
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 9
ESTIMATED BASELINE FUNDING TO CINCINNATI REGION
Without IIJA With IIJA
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
DISCRETIONARY GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
The era of competitive transportation grant In addition to maintaining and expanding
programs began with the creation of the the existing discretionary grant program,
Transportation Investment Generating the IIJA also creates over a dozen new
Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program in the discretionary programs that provide
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act opportunities for a wider range of
of 2009. Between 2009 and 2021, the USDOT transportation projects to pursue funding.
awarded approximately $16.5 billion in grant
The following tables provide a summary of
funding primarily through the RAISE/BUILD/
the notable discretionary grant opportunities
TIGER program, INFRA/FASTLANE program,
available from the FHWA, FRA, FTA, FAA, and
and Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and
the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.
Safety Improvement program (CRISI).
By comparison, the total discretionary
funding available as a result of the IIJA for
transportation projects in urban areas like
Cincinnati is over $65 billion from FY 2022
to FY 2026.
10 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERTable 3: Federal Highway Administration Discretionary Grant Opportunities
PROGRAM 5 -YEAR DESCRIPTION/ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
FUNDING TOTAL
Bridge Investment $12.5 billion Funds available to support projects to improve bridge and culvert
Program condition, safety, efficiency, and reliability. Eligible projects include
the replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, or protection of one
or more bridges on the National Bridge Inventory.
Congestion Relief $250 million Program to advance innovative, integrated, and multimodal
Program solutions to reduce congestion and the related economic and
environmental costs in the most congested metropolitan areas
with an urbanized area population of at least 1 million.
Healthy Streets $500 million* Provides funding to deploy cool and porous pavements and
Program expand tree cover to mitigate urban heat islands, improve air
quality, and reduce flood risks.
Grants for Charging $2.5 billion Two programs (Community Charging and Corridor Charging) that
and Fueling fund the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Infrastructure and alternative fuel locations in publicly accessible locations.
Active $1 billion* Provides competitive connectivity grants that strategically invest in
Transportation projects that connect active transportation networks, accelerating
Infrastructure local and regional plans to create safe and convenient routes to
Investment Program everyday destinations.
In December 2022, the Brent Spence Bridge was awarded $1.6 billion in IIJA grant
funding, including $1.3 billion from the Bridge Investment Program.
Table 4: Federal Railroad Authority Discretionary Grant Opportunities
PROGRAM 5-YEAR DESCRIPTION/ ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
FUNDING TOTAL
Federal-State Partnership $36 billion in advance appropriations Provides funds for capital projects that
for Intercity Passenger Rail with $12 billion available for projects reduce the state of good repair backlog,
outside the Northeast Corridor. improve performance, or expand or
establish new intercity rail service.
Railroad Crossing $3 billion in advance appropriations Program to mitigate or eliminate hazards
Elimination Program with an additional $2.5 billion at railway crossings.
potentially available through
future appropriations.
Consolidated Rail $5 billion in advance appropriations Funds projects that improve the safety,
Infrastructure and Safety with potential for additional. efficiency, and reliability of intercity
Improvements (CRISI) passenger and freight rail.
$5 billion through annual
appropriations.
* indicates funding levels authorized by the IIJA but not appropriated.
NOTE: Programs in Bold type are new programs created by the IIJA.
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 11Table 5: Federal Transit Administration Discretionary Grant Opportunities
PROGRAM 5-YEAR DESCRIPTION/ ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
FUNDING TOTAL
All Station $1.75 billion Funds projects to upgrade the accessibility of legacy rail
Accessibility fixed guideway public transportation systems for people with
Program disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
Bus and Bus $3.161 billion Funds projects to replace, rehabilitate, purchase, or lease
Facilities buses and bus-related equipment and to rehabilitate,
purchase, construct, or lease bus-related facilities.
Capital Investment $8 billion in advance Supports new and expanded high-capacity rail and bus
Grant Program appropriations and an service. The program includes New Starts for the construction
additional $15 billion of new systems and expansion of existing systems, Small
potentially available Starts for projects with capital costs less than $400 million,
through future and Core Capacity for projects that upgrade existing corridors
appropriations to handle increased demand.
* indicates funding levels authorized by the IIJA but not appropriated.
NOTE: Programs in Bold type are new programs created by the IIJA.
Table 6: Federal Aviation Administration Discretionary Grant Opportunities
PROGRAM 5-YEAR DESCRIPTION/ ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
FUNDING TOTAL
Airport Infrastructure $15 billion Funding may be used for airport-related projects defined under
Grants the existing Airport Improvement Grant and Passenger Facility
Charge criteria.
Airport Terminal $5 billion Competitive grants for airport terminal development projects that
Program address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports.
Facilities and $5 billion Funding to replace Air Traffic facilities, update and upgrade
Equipment equipment including landing and navigational aids, and improve
safety, security, and environmental standards at facilities.
* indicates funding levels authorized by the IIJA but not appropriated.
NOTE: Programs in Bold type are new programs created by the IIJA.
12 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERTable 7: Office of the Secretary of Transportation Discretionary Grant Opportunities
PROGRAM 5-YEAR DESCRIPTION/ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
FUNDING TOTAL
Nationally Significant $8 billion in advance The INFRA program awards grants for multimodal
Multimodal Freight and Highway appropriations with up freight and highway projects of national or regional
Projects Program (INFRA) to $14 billion available significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and
through future reliability of the movement of freight and people in
appropriations and across rural and urban areas.
Rebuilding American $7.5 billion in advance Provides supplemental funding for grants to
Infrastructure with Sustainability appropriations with the states and local entities for projects that will have
and Equity (RAISE) potential for up to $7.5 a significant local/regional impact.
National Infrastructure Project $5 billion in advance Supports large, complex projects that are difficult to
Assistance (MEGA) appropriations with the fund by other means and likely to generate national
potential for up to $10 or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits.
billion more in annual
appropriations
Promoting Resilient Operations $1.4 billion Supports planning, resilience improvements,
for Transformative, Efficient, community resilience and evacuation routes, and
and Cost-Saving Transportation at-risk coastal infrastructure.
(PROTECT)
Reconnecting Communities $1 billion Restores community connectivity by removing,
Pilot Program retrofitting, or mitigating highways or other
transportation facilities that create barriers to
community connectivity, including to mobility,
access, or economic development.
Safe Streets and Roads $5 billion Provides supplemental funding to support local
for All Program initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads
and streets, commonly referred to as “Vision Zero” or
“Toward Zero Deaths” initiatives.
National Culvert Removal, $1 billion Provides supplemental funding for grants to replace,
Replacement, and Restoration remove, and or repair culverts or weirs.
Grant Program
Strengthening Mobility and $500 million Provides supplemental funding to conduct
Revolutionizing Transportation demonstration projects focused on advanced smart
(SMART) Program city or community technologies and systems in a
variety of communities to improve transportation
efficiency and safety.
* indicates funding levels authorized by the IIJA but not appropriated.
NOTE: Programs in Bold type are new programs created by the IIJA.
The City of Cincinnati received a $127 million INFRA grant in 2022 for the Western Hills
Viaduct replacement project
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 13Inflation Reduction Act
APPLICABLE USDOT
President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction
STRATEGIC GOALS
Act (IRA) into law on August 16, 2022, making
a $369 billion investment in sustainable Safety – investing in improvements to
infrastructure. Although most of the funds make the transportation system safer for
available through the IRA are focused on all people.
sustainable energy development, distribution, Economic Strength & Global
and storage, there are several new programs that Competitiveness – growing an inclusive
support transportation infrastructure through and sustainable economy. Investing in
programs administered by the Environmental the transportation system to provide
Protection Agency as well as USDOT. American workers and businesses reliable
Because the agencies are still determining and efficient access to good paying jobs,
implementation, the programs authorized by the resources, and markets.
IRA are not included in this analysis but could
provide additional opportunities for discretionary Historically Disadvantaged Communities
funding once the programs are up and running. & Areas of Persistent Poverty: Reduce
inequities. Support and engage people and
communities to promote safe, affordable,
WHAT MAKES FOR COMPETITIVE
accessible, and multimodal access to
GRANT APPLICATIONS? opportunities and services while reducing
The following section provides a framework transportation-related disparities, adverse
for obtaining information and developing key community impacts and health effects.
messages that will help advance competitive
applications. More information about developing Climate & Sustainability: Tackle the climate
competitive grant applications is detailed in the crisis by ensuring that transportation plays
Task 1 report. Some federal discretionary funding a central role in the solution. Substantially
programs have expansive eligibilities that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
support a broad range of capital investment transportation-related pollution and
projects, while others are targeted to a very build more resilient and sustainable
specific functional category or strategic priority. transportation systems to benefit and
In either case, applicants may be able to improve protect communities.
their chances of securing federal funding by Transformation & Innovation: Design for
developing a clear understanding of what the future. Invest in purpose-driven research
sets apart a given project or project element, and innovation to meet the challenges of
whether it is serving a critical population, and/ the present and modernize a transportation
or addressing a clear deficiency of the current system of the future that serves everyone
transportation network. today and in the decades to come.
Regardless of which discretionary program
agencies identify as target opportunities, there Understanding these strategic goals and
are consistent policy objectives targeted by the how projects align with these outcomes
language in the IIJA, as well as the Department will help position projects to be competitive
of Transportation Strategic Goals. in these extremely popular and frequently
oversubscribed programs.
14 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERSECTION 03 STRATEGIC FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS Following the analysis of baseline changes to transportation funding, stakeholders were asked to submit projects that serve a regional vision and could benefit from the pursuit of competitive grant funding available from IIJA competitive grant programs. The group then held discussions to identify six representative projects that are consistent with the Chamber’s vision for a Connected Region. Strategic funding recommendations for these projects are presented in this section. It’s important to put these projects into context – in part because there are absolutely projects that are important priorities to the region that are not included in this report. For example, the Brent Spence Bridge, Western Hills Viaduct, and much of the implementation of Reinventing Metro are projects that align with the Chamber’s Connected Region vision, have already received grants thanks to the IIJA, and should certainly remain priorities for the region. But they aren’t projects that require additional capacity or strategic guidance to seek those funds, and thus aren’t included in the projects below. There are other project concepts that need to be fleshed out before they’re prepared to seek federal planning or construction grants. For example, the question about where the City might take the streetcar next or the potential for fixed guideway transit to CVG or other parts of the region aren’t specific enough to likely be prepared for federal funding during the five-year IIJA funding window. CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 15
PROJECTS EVALUATED FOR FUNDING STRATEGIES
05 01
02
04
03
01. Central Parkway Beautification 04. I-71/75 and I-275 interchange Improvements
02. Completing the CROWN Urban Trail Loop 05. Millikin Way Interchange
03. Fort Washington Way Lids 06. Regional EV Charging Strategy - not shown on map
Imagery source: Esri, Maxar, & Earthstar Geographics
16 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 17UNDERSTANDING THE As you’ll see in the recommendations and
as mentioned above, there are overlapping
RECOMMENDATIONS
eligibilities across the various discretionary
The strategic funding recommendations in this programs. These broad eligibilities that
report are based on the current understanding encompass multiple project types can
of the projects and may change as they evolve create challenges and opportunities when
through various stages of project development. considering how to prioritize projects that
For each project, there are three main sections: may compete for the same pots of funding.
The simplest way to approach the various
1. Project Background provides an overview applicable funding sources is to consider:
of the project.
y Local match – although most programs
2. Potential IIJA Programs lists the require a minimum 20 percent match
discretionary grant programs authorized from nonfederal sources, some programs
by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs require up to 50 percent and all programs
Act with funding eligibilities that match view favorably projects that provide more
the project description. than the minimum required.
3. Strategy to Position for Grant Funds y Project readiness – is the project at a
summarizes some specific actions that stage where it can effectively compete
could help applicants prepare for a for construction funds.
competitive grant application.
y Alignment with DOT policy priorities
Although the project types are diverse, the – although a project may be eligible
same programs may apply to multiple projects to receive funds under a program, the
due to the flexible nature of many of the most competitive grant applications also
funding programs. The recommendations align well with the Department’s policy
in this report include best practices that priorities. Each of the projects has a table
applicants should follow when preparing with an indicator of which of the USDOT
to apply for federal discretionary grants, strategic goals that the project most
regardless of project type. It also includes closely aligns. These are self-reported
project-specific steps that can better position and subjective – but, we think a fair
the projects for receiving funds. The intent representation of how the Department
of these recommendations is to provide a may view the projects.
roadmap for the projects identified,
as well as those organizations or individuals
who may be tasked with guiding or driving
those projects, in pursuit of federal
discretionary grants. We hope that these
recommendations serve as guides for other
communities as they consider projects.
18 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERCENTRAL
PARKWAY
BEAUTIFICATION
Project Sponsor Complete Streets Defined:
City of Cincinnati A Complete Street is safe, and feels safe,
for all users. Complete Street standards
Estimated Project Cost or policies “ensure the safe and adequate
$20 million
accommodation of all users of the
transportation system, including pedestrian,
bicyclists, public transportation users,
ALIGNMENT WITH USDOT children, older individuals, individuals with
STRATEGIC GOALS disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.” 2
Improve Safety
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Inclusive & Sustainable
Economy Cincinnati’s Central Parkway was once a
waterway, serving as the Miami-Erie Canal in
Reduce Inequities & Promote the 19th Century, moving people and goods by
Multimodal Access
boat and ship. In the intervening years, the canal
was filled and the movement of people and
Climate Action
goods transitioned to cars and trucks. Recently,
support has grown for a reimagining of the
Innovation Parkway, converting it into a Complete Street
with vehicular and bus traffic lanes, larger and
2. See Section 11206 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684?r=1&s=5
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 19dedicated pedestrian sidewalks, a greenspace Although the recommendations provided below
median, and a dedicated bicycle track. The are tailored for the Central Parkway project, many
proposed project would greatly improve safety of the same concepts would apply to Complete
for bicyclists and pedestrians as the current Streets projects, generally.
configuration requires sharing the roadway
Additional information on Complete
with vehicular traffic and its width makes
Streets is available on the Federal Highway
crossing the street especially unsafe. As a major
Administration’s Complete Streets page.
thoroughfare, Central Parkway is a key artery for
Cincinnati’s bus transit system with several stops
Rebuilding American Infrastructure
along this route currently and is expected to
with Sustainability and Equity
remain so at the completion of the project.
The RAISE program invests in road, rail, transit,
The project area stretches from Charles and port projects that promise to achieve
Street to Findlay Street and is adjacent to two national objectives. Historically, complete streets
historic Cincinnati neighborhoods, the West and pedestrian and bicycle projects have fared
End and Over-the-Rhine, as well as some of well under the program as they advance more
Cincinnati’s most iconic and notable structures, sustainable transportation options, removing
including Cincinnati City Hall, Cincinnati Policy single-occupancy vehicles from the road
Headquarters, historic Cincinnati Music Hall, TQL and subsequently supporting a reduction
Stadium, and historic Findlay Market. in greenhouse gas emissions. The eligibility
requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors
While portions of Over-the-Rhine has seen
to obtain funding to multi-modal, multi-
significant reinvestment over the last 15 years,
jurisdictional projects that are more difficult
those investments have not crossed Central
to support through traditional DOT programs.
Parkway into the West End neighborhood,
Importantly for the Central Parkway project,
which has experienced disinvestment since
RAISE has planning funds available which can
the construction of Interstate 75. The project
help to further develop the project and position it
represents an opportunity to address needed
for capital construction grants in the future.
transportation improvements as well as promote
increased economic development in the area. Notably, the recent RAISE award in the area may
make this project less compelling in the short
POTENTIAL IIJA PROGRAMS term as the USDOT is required to maintain an
equitable geographic distribution of grant funds.
The Central Parkway Project is a good example
Winning in one cycle can often lead to missing
of a Complete Streets project to inform the
out on the next cycle.
planning and funding opportunities for complete
streets projects across the region. The funding
programs described below support Complete
Streets projects and are viable funding sources
for other, similar projects.
20 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERSafe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Healthy Streets Program
Grant Program The Healthy Streets Program is authorized at
The SS4A program funds regional, local, and $100 million per year but does not currently
Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths have appropriations to make grant awards.
and serious injuries. Of note for the Central Should Congress fund the program in future
Parkway project, SS4A has specific eligibility budget cycles, the program could fund
for “transforming a roadway corridor on a elements of the Central Parkway project. The
High-Injury Network into a Complete Street program is focused on deploying cool and/
with safety improvements to control speed, or porous pavements and expanding tree
separate users, and improve visibility, along cover to help mitigate the effects of urban
with other measures that improve safety heat islands, improve air quality, and reduce
for all users.” Notably, the condition that the impervious surfaces, stormwater runoff,
Complete Street transformation occurs on a and flood risks, as well as heat impacts to
“High-Injury Network” requires that Central infrastructure and road users.
Parkway has a higher rate of injuries or
fatalities on the roadway compared to Neighborhood Access and Equity
others in the region. Grant Program
This new program authorized by the
SS4A has $5 billion over five years and has
Inflation Reduction Act provides funding to
already closed the first round of applications
improve walkability, safety, and affordable
under the program. Importantly, the region
transportation access. There is little known
must have an approved comprehensive safety
about the project beyond what is in the
action plan (Action Plan) in place. Without
legislation, but it appears to be similar to the
an Action Plan, a planning or Action Plan
RCP and SS4A programs and would likely
grant would be necessary to support the
support the Central Parkway project.3 The
plan development and then position for a
program is appropriated with $3.15 billion with
subsequent implementation grant.
funding likely opening in 2023.
3. See Section 60501 of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376): https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 21STRATEGY FOR POSITIONING Funding commitments may not be available
until a total cost for the project is available and
FOR GRANT FUNDS
that may not be ready until the project is further
As mentioned previously, the strategies defined – another reason to potentially pursue
described below apply to the Central Parkway federal planning grants for the project.
project but can also be applied to similar projects
in the area. With both the City and OKI having Conduct Modeling and Forecasting
complete streets policies in place, the region
Effectively capturing the benefits and the
is well-positioned to be competitive under the
costs of the project are vital components to a
available programs and those that are advanced
successful grant application. Starting work now
could benefit from some or all of the strategies
on evaluating the safety benefits, the economic
described below.
growth potential (particularly if supported by
investment commitments), as well as potential
Pursue Planning Funds to Advance the
environmental benefits such as greenhouse
Project Definition
gas reductions, will help to prepare the project
The Central Parkway project has undergone for a competitive application when it is ready to
considerable work to get to where it is today. But pursue capital construction grants.
to successfully pursue federal construction grant
dollars, the project definition must be refined, Identify Discrete Project Elements
and project elements fully fleshed out. One
Prior to applying for discretionary funds, it may
strategy to move project development forward is
be helpful to identify discrete project elements
to pursue planning grant funds under either the
that can advance independent of others. This
RCP Program or RAISE. Because both programs
will help to break up the project, making it
have planning grants and eligibilities that align
possible to fund pieces of the overall project
with the Central Parkway project, either or both
vision through smaller grants, if necessary. Also,
could be good candidates to support project
including project line items that USDOT can fund
development work.
may help the project if the full amount requested
is more than the Department is willing to award.
Develop Complete Funding Plan and
Secure Funding Commitments
Although both public and private interests
support the project and have indicated a
willingness to provide financial assistance to it,
including the City of Cincinnati’s commitment
of $1 million towards the project, those funding
commitments from all parties need to be
solidified. Doing so will provide USDOT with a
reasonable assurance that the local match is
available and that the federal funds will leverage
other sources to deliver the project. This is an
important piece of project readiness.
22 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERCOMPLETING THE
CROWN URBAN
TRAIL LOOP
Likely Project Sponsor(s) ALIGNMENT WITH USDOT
City of Cincinnati STRATEGIC GOALS
Great Parks of Hamilton County
Improve Safety
Critical Partners
Tri-State Trails Inclusive & Sustainable
Wasson Way Economy
Ohio River Way
Cincinnati Parks Reduce Inequities & Promote
Multimodal Access
SORTA
Ohio River Trail West
Climate Action
Mill Creek Alliance
Murray Path
Innovation
Estimated Project Cost
$13 million (Mill Creek Greenway)
$12 million (Ohio River Trail)
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 23PROJECT BACKGROUND Costs to complete the Mill Creek Greenway
Trail are estimated at roughly $13 million,
CROWN, the Cincinnati Riding Or Walking while costs to complete the Ohio River Trail
Network, is a proposed 34-mile urban trail loop sections are estimated at $12 million. This $25
around Cincinnati. When complete, CROWN million total represents the full cost to design,
will connect four major trails — Wasson Way, obtain necessary rights-of-way, and ultimately
Little Miami Scenic Trail, Ohio River Trail, and construct the facility. Federal infrastructure
Mill Creek Greenway — to form a network used funds would make a transformational impact
for transportation, recreation, and exercise. in the region’s ability to deliver this project on a
Key remaining gaps in the trail network include rapid timeline. Federal costs could cover up to
roughly 3.5 miles of the Mill Creek Greenway 80 percent of the remaining costs, depending
Trail from Millvale to Lower Price Hill and 2.2 on available local match.
miles of the Ohio River Trail West from Lower
Price Hill to Smale Riverfront Park. Completing the CROWN would promote
equitable access to active transportation,
Phase 1 of the CROWN created connections employment centers, recreation opportunities,
between several existing trails. In total, and economic development opportunities
18.4 miles of the total 34-mile urban loop in the lower Mill Creek Valley communities
have been completed and are currently that have lacked this type of proactive public
open to the public. An additional 3.4 miles, investment for over 60 years. Because of these
predominantly on the east side of the loop, projected benefits, the CROWN project could
have secured funding through the CROWN be competitive for a number of discretionary
capital campaign. funding programs.
24 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERPOTENTIAL IIJA PROGRAMS The flexibility in how those match
funds are generated, allowing for non-
The programs listed below include eligibility
traditional sources to make up the
for bicycle and pedestrian projects like the
cost-share requirement for instance,
CROWN project. This list is not exhaustive
may help to ameliorate the 50 percent
and only captures the discretionary programs
match requirement.
authorized by the IIJA. For a more complete
listing of possible funding sources for
Rebuilding American Infrastructure
pedestrian and bicycle projects, see the
with Sustainability and Equity
summary table of funding opportunities
The RAISE program invests in road, rail, transit,
published by the Federal Highway
and port projects that promise to achieve
Administration here.
national objectives. Historically, Complete
Reconnecting Communities Pilot Streets and pedestrian and bicycle projects
(RCP) Grant Program have fared well under the program as they
advance more sustainable transportation
The purpose of the RCP Program is to
options, removing single-occupancy vehicles
reconnect communities by removing,
from the road and subsequently supporting
retrofitting, or mitigating transportation
a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The
facilities, like highways or rail lines, that
eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project
create barriers to community connectivity,
sponsors to obtain funding to multi-modal,
including to mobility, access, or economic
multi-jurisdictional projects that are more
development.4 The program includes both
difficult to support through traditional
planning and capital grants, allowing for
DOT programs.
federal support at multiple stages of a
project’s life cycle. The RAISE program is well-established with
significant available funds on an annual
The program is funded with $1 billion over
basis and has broad eligibility for active
the next five years providing a reliable source
transportation improvements. Non-State-DOT
of federal funds and the CROWN is a good
applicants make up more than three-quarters
example of community connectivity and
of awarded funds. However, the recent RAISE
potentially retrofitting or improving existing
award in the area may make this project less
transportation facilities to enhance that
compelling in the short term as the USDOT is
connectivity. This aligns well with the stated
required to maintain an equitable geographic
purpose of the program. However, if pursuing
distribution of grant funds. Winning in one
a capital grant, the program requires a 50
cycle can often lead to missing out on the
percent match making the cost sharing
next cycle.
burden higher than other programs.
4. See Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP Grant Program Fact Sheet: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-07/
RCP%20Program%20Fact%20Sheet_0.pdf
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 25Safe Streets and Roads for All Active Transportation Infrastructure
(SS4A) Grant Program Investment Program.
The SS4A program funds regional, local, and This program was authorized by the IIJA but is
Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths subject to annual appropriations by Congress
and serious injuries. In addition to supporting and has not yet seen funding through the yearly
roadway improvements, the SS4A program budget process. However, should Congress
also includes “installing pedestrian safety appropriate funds for the program, the CROWN
enhancements and closing network gaps project would align quite well with the goals of
(emphasis added)” as an eligible project the program – to fund safe, connective active
along with “supporting the development of transportation networks such as trails, sidewalks,
bikeway networks.” These project eligibilities and protected bike lanes.
that support a shift in mode choice from a
motorized vehicle to active transportation
STRATEGY FOR POSITIONING
supports the reduction in roadway deaths
FOR GRANT FUNDS
and injuries – consistent with the objectives
of the CROWN project. The strategy elements listed below are
specific to the CROWN project but can also
SS4A has $5 billion over five years and has serve as a general guide for other bicycle and
already closed the first round of applications pedestrian projects in the region that may
under the program. Importantly, the region seek federal grants.
must have an approved comprehensive safety
action plan (Action Plan) in place. Without Define and position the project as
an Action Plan, a planning or Action Plan “Completing the CROWN.”
grant would be necessary to support the
This is important for narrative reasons as it
plan development and then position for a
helps to explain the scale of the improvements
subsequent implementation grant.
and how it builds on previous investment. As
currently defined, the project includes three
Neighborhood Access and
sections of improvements to the Ohio River
Equity Grant Program
Trail West as well as two sections of the Mill
This new program authorized by the Creek Greenway. A potential strategy for
Inflation Reduction Act provides funding to federal grant positioning would be to expand
improve walkability, safety, and affordable the scope to include segments that currently
transportation access. There is little known have Capital Campaign funding associated
about the project beyond what is in the with them – this would allow for the potential to
legislative text, but it appears to be similar to use existing committed funds for local match,
the RCP and SS4A programs and would likely and also define a larger overall project in case
support the CROWN project. The program is that proves to be better aligned with a given
appropriated with $3.15 billion with funding grant program’s funding potential and/or
likely opening in 2023. evaluation requirements.
26 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERAddress the critical issue of ROW. To the extent information exists regarding
number and frequency of trips and the
USDOT grant reviewers consider a project’s
connections the CROWN provides, those data
readiness when making grant recommendations
points should be emphasized as well.
for awards. A key component of project readiness
is a reasonable expectation to secure permits and
Clearly define individual
acquire necessary right-of-way (ROW) to deliver
project elements
the project. Because the alignment will traverse
existing railroad tracks, working to establish Despite historic funding levels, the discretionary
evidence of a clear path forward and alignment funding programs at the USDOT continue to
with the owner/operator regarding the right- be oversubscribed with many billions of dollars
of-way needed is important to communicate more requested than available for grant awards.
readiness to the reviewers. The risk of cost and/or As a result, clearly defining how each section
schedule overruns associated with this challenge would deliver benefits and the approximate cost
could be a detriment to readiness-criteria scoring to deliver each section could allow decision-
for most applications. makers to make an award that is less than the
requested amount and still provide substantial
Elevate partnerships and capture benefits to the project.
community benefits.
The CROWN is a shining example of building
a coalition to deliver on a promise to connect
the community. These partnerships show
community support and the importance
of the project to future users.
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 27FORT
WASHINGTON
WAY LIDS
Project Sponsor
PROJECT BACKGROUND
City of Cincinnati/Hamilton County Fort Washington Way (FWW) is a sunken
highway that runs through downtown
Estimated Project Cost Cincinnati, carrying traffic across Interstate 71
$110 million (I-71), U.S. 50, and providing access to downtown
and the riverfront from Interstate 75 (I-75)
and I-71. In the early 2000s when FWW was
constructed, the City invested in additional
ALIGNMENT WITH USDOT
structural pilings to allow for a future cap over
STRATEGIC GOALS
the highway. The City and Hamilton County, in
partnership with the Cincinnati USA Regional
Improve Safety
Chamber, have taken important steps recently
to advance the construction of a cap or lid over
Inclusive & Sustainable
FWW in creating a vital public space.
Economy
The cap concept has been done elsewhere in
Reduce Inequities & Promote
Multimodal Access Ohio, most notably the Columbus Cap of High
Street Over I-670, which created a mixed-use
Climate Action plaza with pedestrian accessibility, restaurants
and retail at Short North.
Innovation
28 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERThe City, County, and Chamber are committed to RCP capital construction grants fund the
working together to address the many complex implementation of projects that remove, retrofit,
issues associated with the project, including mitigate, or replace an existing eligible facility
engagement with the Ohio Department of with a new facility that reconnects communities.
Transportation (ODOT) related to the air rights $50 million was available in Fiscal Year 2022 and
over FWW; engagement with the region’s park we expect similar amounts will be available in
systems over how to develop and maintain future years.
public green space; and how to coordinate the
construction of the FWW Lids alongside the
Brent Spence Bridge project. Eligible Facility Under RCP
Program Defined:
The City submitted a planning grant application
for the Reconnecting Communities grant, which A highway, including a road, street, or
would support the planning phase of this project parkway or other transportation facility,
to prepare it for federal construction funds. such as a rail line, that creates a barrier
to community connectivity, including
barriers to mobility, access, or economic
POTENTIAL IIJA PROGRAMS development, due to high speeds, grade
The FWW Lids project which promotes separations, or other design factors.
neighborhood connectivity, environmental
benefits through the creation of greenspace, as
Rebuilding American Infrastructure
well as equity and economic competitiveness,
with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
aligns with the objectives of several programs
authorized under the IIJA. The RAISE program invests in road, rail, transit,
and port projects that promise to achieve
Reconnecting Communities national objectives. The program allows
Pilot (RCP) Program project sponsors to obtain funding to multi-
The RCP Program provides both planning and modal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are
capital construction grants to support the more difficult to support through traditional
removal, retrofit, or mitigation of transportation department of transportation (DOT) programs.
facilities that create barriers to community Importantly for the FWW Lids project, the
connectivity. The FWW Lids project aligns well RAISE program also provides both planning
with the RCP Program as the lids would provide and capital improvement grants, allowing for
important connectivity to the neighborhood, projects that are still early in development to
mitigating the effects of the highway that bisects receive federal assistance to help further
the Central Business District. define the project elements.
RCP Planning grants may be used to study the
feasibility and impacts of removing, retrofitting,
or mitigating an existing eligible facility or to
conduct planning activities necessary to design
a project to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an
existing eligible facility.5
5. See USDOT Reconnecting Communities: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/reconnecting-communities
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 29The RAISE program is authorized for up to The Mega program also may be used
$15 billion over the five-year term of the IIJA, for development-phase costs, including
making it a reliable source of funding for planning, feasibility analysis, alternatives
years to come. However, the recent RAISE analysis, environmental review and activities
award for the State-to-Central Project may to support environmental review, preliminary
make this project less compelling in the short engineering, and other preconstruction
term as the USDOT is required to maintain activities.
an equitable geographic distribution of grant
Importantly, the Mega program is focused
funds. Winning in one cycle can often lead to
on projects that cost more than $100 million,
missing out on the next cycle. With that said,
and with an estimated cost of $110 million to
the FY2023 RAISE NOFO is now on the street,
complete the FWW Lids, the project meets
with applications due February 28, 2023.
the cost threshold for the program. Although
Mega Grant Program focused on projects with large price tags,
the Mega program will only fund 60 percent
The Mega Program (also known as the
of the total project costs, making the local
National Infrastructure Project Assistance
match requirement considerable.
program) supports large, complex projects
that are difficult to fund by other means and Neighborhood Access and
are likely to generate national or regional Equity Grant Program
economic, mobility, or safety benefits.6 Eligible
This new program authorized by the
projects include a “highway or bridge project
Inflation Reduction Act provides funding to
carried out on the National Multimodal
improve walkability, safety, and affordable
Freight Network, the National Highway
transportation access. There is little known
Freight Network, or the National Highway
about the project beyond what is in the
System.” Although the lids are not a traditional
legislative text, but it appears to be similar
“bridge” project, the City could argue that the
to the RCP and Safe Streets and Roads for
connections created by the cap does bridge
All (SS4A) programs and would likely
the span over Fort Washington Way and thus
support the FWW project.7 The program
is eligible for the program.
is appropriated with $3.15 billion with
funding likely opening in 2023.
6. See USDOT Mega Grant Program: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/mega-grant-program
7. See Section 60501 of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376): https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376
30 CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBERSTRATEGY TO POSITION Leverage Planning Funds to Enter
FOR GRANT FUNDS Federal Funding Pipeline
The City and County have applied to USDOT A secondary but important benefit to pursuing
for planning funds under the RCP Program. If and securing federal planning dollars is that it
successful, those planning funds can help further opens a dialogue with USDOT on the project
define the project and identify potential future where DOT officials can provide feedback on its
funding opportunities. In addition to the RCP merits and help inform how the project advances
planning funds, other strategies include: in a way that makes it competitive for capital
construction grants in the future. Also, once
Build Community Consensus planning dollars are committed, federal officials
on the Project may consider the agency “invested” in the
project and want to see it through to completion,
One of the important factors considered as
further enhancing its competitiveness
part of the discretionary funding evaluation is
whether there is broad community support
for the project. Although there already exists
a diverse set of stakeholders supporting
the project, further defining the vision and
seeking and securing letters of support from
stakeholders would be another important step.
Prepare and Complete an
Environmental Review
Project readiness is an evaluation factor for
all discretionary programs. Prior to signing
the funding agreement, USDOT must have
completed the environmental review under
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),
which can take time. It is best to get started
on that work early so that it doesn’t hinder
the project’s competitiveness through the
discretionary programs.
CINCINNATI USA REGIONAL CHAMBER 31You can also read
