Fort Collins, Longmont win state transit-related grants

DENVER — Projects in Fort Collins and Longmont are among four statewide that will share more than $13.3 million in the inaugural Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure grant program.

The TOCI grants, announced Thursday by the office of Gov. Jared Polis, were awarded through the state Department of Local Affairs in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The awards will aid four communities in upgrading infrastructure that will support up to 720 units of affordable housing. Additionally, three of the projects advance crucial transit infrastructure that support ridership of rapid bus transit and light rail.

The City of Fort Collins, in partnership with developer Volunteers of America, will use $792,000 in grant funds to support onsite infrastructure upgrades for Switchgrass Crossing, a 45-unit infill affordable-housing development at 3800 S. Mason St. for aging adults age 55 and older with 30% to 60% of the area median income or those earning $27,000 to $54,000 a year for a household of one. The development is adjacent to one of the city’s bus rapid transit stations. Infrastructure upgrades include utility connections, stormwater upgrades and an on-site detention pond.

The City of Longmont, in partnership with the Regional Transportation District, will use $4 million in grant funds to support the development of a transit hub at First Avenue and Main Street featuring 10 bus bays, 40 bike and scooter parking spots, 700 parking spaces, up to 300 housing units and mixed-use commercial space. Grant funds will support first-floor construction of the parking structure, including utility, site improvements, earthwork, masonry and labor. 

Grants also were awarded to projects in Denver and Wheat Ridge.

“Building more housing Coloradans can afford near transit centers is an important way to increase housing options, protect our environment and save Coloradans time and money,” Polis said in a prepared statement. “These investments will help local communities embrace new housing near transportation options and increase the quality of life for Coloradans. We have taken historic actions in Colorado to remove government barriers that block new housing from being built, and I am thrilled to see these laws in action, helping build more homes Coloradans can afford.”

DOLA executive director Maria de Cambra added that “we are proud to support local efforts to create and enhance vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods where expanded walkability and transit connectivity make it easier for residents to reach their jobs and daily essentials. DOLA worked with partner agencies and local communities every step of the way to develop a program that aligns with each community’s unique needs and housing potential and bolsters the great work these jurisdictions are already doing.”

“Colorado’s investments in multimodal infrastructure along the main streets of every community have paid dividends for safety, brought new customer opportunities for local businesses, and have helped make the places we live more vibrant,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT. “These first grants will make daily trips more convenient for nearby residents, and we look forward to delivering similar improvements in more communities throughout Colorado.”

As outlined in House Bill 24-1313, the TOCI program is available to 32 jurisdictions along the Front Range that are subject to the legislation. Grant funds may be used to upgrade infrastructure and support regulated affordable housing in locally designated transit centers and neighborhood centers within certified transit-oriented communities.

“We’re excited to see these communities demonstrating leadership in embracing strategic growth,” said former Boulder mayor Will Toor, executive director of the Colorado Energy Office. “These projects will provide valuable case studies that show how Coloradans can access low-cost and low-carbon housing and transportation options. These types of local policies and projects will make our investments in public transit not only more effective and cost-efficient but will also help us reach our climate goals.”

During this pilot round, DOLA’s TOCI grant program staff provided more than 48 hours of technical assistance to prepare potential applicants. This included 12 informational meetings, four pre-application meetings, two TOC working-group presentations, numerous outreach emails, and monthly “Engage DOLA” webinars.

DOLA staff continue to provide local governments with technical assistance for the TOCI grant program, as well as meeting requirements for the TOC law. This includes webinars, meetings, one-on-one assistance, and a comprehensive tool and resource library available on the State Land Use and Housing Legislation website.

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