Federal funds are an important component of the overall funding for the Atlanta BeltLine project to aid in the development of transit, transportation improvements, trails, affordable housing, and environmental cleanup, alongside all components of the project.

Federal funding for the BeltLine is already underway. The Atlanta Regional Commission has programmed $18 million of federal funding for use in right of way acquisition and trail construction in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Over $2 million of other federal funding for trail construction and transit planning has already been committed to the BeltLine.

In addition, the Atlanta Regional Commission's long-range plan, the Regional Transportation Plan calls for approximately $240 million in additional transit development funding

Transit

After the completion of the Alternatives Analysis and the approval of the Locally Preferred Alternative by the MARTA Board, the next step in the Federal transit funding process is the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Preliminary Engineering. The Federal Government has earmarked $1 Million toward the funding of this next stage in the transit development process. The Atlanta BeltLine will be able to apply for the competitive federal transit funds available primarily via the New Starts program and/or the Small Starts program to fund approved transit projects after the DEIS process is completed. The BeltLine is programmed for matching federal funds in the Atlanta Regional Commission's long-range transportation plan.

Transportation

The BeltLine will contribute to the development of an urban street grid that is conducive to walkable and livable neighborhoods with streetscapes, sidewalks, and transportation improvements. Of the $305 - $375 million in transportation improvements planned in the Atlanta BeltLine Redevelopment Plan, a major component of the funding plan is anticipated to come from Federal matching programs for pedestrian and roadway improvements.

Trails

Spearheaded by The PATH Foundation, the construction of multi-use trails will be a significant focus of the Atlanta BeltLine. For years, federal matching funds have been used in metro Atlanta to help build trails, and the BeltLine anticipates federal matching funds to contribute to the development of the BeltLine's multi-use trails, too, building on the funds already allocated. In fact, additional federal money has already been set aside for construction of the West End Trail in Southwest Atlanta.

Other Federal Funds

Atlanta's commitment to such a distinctive and nationally significant project may instigate the availability of other federal funds for various elements of the project including transit, transportation improvements and trails, but also other project elements such as environmental cleanup and affordable housing development. There is strong bipartisan support for the BeltLine in Georgia’s Congressional delegation and an interest from Federal Departments in the project's size and scope. There are many opportunities to build and expand upon the BeltLine’s partnership with the Federal Government to demonstrate an integrated approach to smart growth for the 21st Century.

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