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Yesterday, the US Department of Transportation held an afternoon seminar on TIGER 3 funding — and Darren Flusche, policy analyst for the League of American Bicyclists was there, taking notes and asking questions about drawing down federal dollars for bike-ped projects.

So what’s TIGER 3? Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funds are merit-based grants awarded to communities with “innovative transportation projects that will create jobs and have a significant impact on the nation, a region or a metropolitan area.” In this latest round, $527 million will be doled by the US DOT. And, as Flusche writes: If your local transportation agency has a strong project that is multi-modal, non-traditional, and hard to fund through traditional channels, TIGER 3 might be a viable source of federal dollars.

“Bicycle and pedestrian projects have done well in the first two rounds of TIGER grants,” Flusche notes on the League blog. “Sixty-eight of the 125 successful TIGER grants included bicycle and/or pedestrian components in their project descriptions. Several funded projects were stand-alone bicycle and pedestrian projects, like the Philadelphia Area Bicycle Network and the Indianapolis Bicycle and Pedestrian Network funded in the first round. Several Complete Streets projects were also funded.”

With that in mind, Flusche attended the “Lessons on How to Compete for a USDOT TIGER Grant” session. He even got a chance to get specific feedback from the panel experts on questions like:

• What makes a good bicycling and walking project?
• How can you make a project more attractive by including a bicycle/pedestrian component?
• How can you best measure the benefits of bicycle and pedestrian projects?

Read the answers and a wealth of other tips from yesterday’s seminar on the League’s blog.

Ray LaHood doesn’t need to be convinced that biking and walking should be promoted as critical aspects of our transportation system. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation has shown enthusiastic commitment to active transportation projects since he was appointed to his post. But the bike-ped champion was duly impressed in a meeting with bicycle and pedestrian advocates earlier this week.

This afternoon, LaHood recapped the Tuesday gathering that included board members of America Bikes. In the positive post, the Secretary celebrated and circulated the new data they presented. The first study, which came from the Political Economy Research Institute, concluded that bicycle and pedestrian projects provide more job creation than other road construction. The second, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that 67 percent of Americans support streets design that’s more conducive to active transportation.

“Putting the two studies together creates a powerful argument for continuing the Department of Transportation’s support for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects,” LaHood wrote in today’s blog. “Even as these investments increase mobility, they also generate economic growth. And, people are demanding them for their communities.”

Jeff Miller, Alliance President/CEO, attended the meeting and said LaHood recognized the power of advocates on the ground, who are driving that shift in public — and political — opinion. “LaHood recognized right away the importance of our grassroots work and what our organizations do to make a difference,” Jeff said. “He cited specifically the major victory we had with Representative LaTourette supporting Complete Streets, saying that such a 180-degree turnaround shows the power of the grassroots.”

But LaHood didn’t downplay the difficult days ahead, as Congress works on the next federal transportation bill in a tight, cost-cutting climate. “He said we’ve got our work cut out for us, but also reminded us that the President is still our ally and supports what we do,” Jeff said. “He also said we have strong support in the Senate and, even if the House does something drastic, we have that firewall of the Senate and President. Though, that doesn’t mean shouldn’t work hard on the House!”

But even faced with a challenge on Capitol Hill, LaHood expressed confidence in bike-ped advocates. “Bicycle and pedestrian activists have been very successful at achieving valuable safety gains for their stakeholders. Now is the time for advocates of cycling and walking to get into gear once again,” LaHood wrote. “Armed with the powerful arguments of energy conservation, environmental and health benefits, public demand — and now job creation and economic development — I am confident they will succeed.”

Read LaHood’s entire post here.

Photo: Secretary Ray LaHood, left, with Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists (Fast Lane Blog)

There’s truth to the old saying that “Money talks” — especially in the halls of Congress and the pages of your local newspaper.

This week, biking and walking projects have the microphone.

On Wednesday, the US Department of Transportation announced $600 million in TIGER II grants and it included some great news for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Of the 42 projects in the capital grants category, 19 include funding for bicycling and walking facilities, including two active transportation networks and six complete streets projects. Of the 33 planning grants, 22 fund planning for biking and walking projects and larger plans that specifically mention bicyclists and pedestrians.

This issue is getting national attention. With an election right around the corner, it’s more important than ever to show that people care about bicycling and walking. Now is the perfect opportunity to write a ‘Letter to the Editor’ for your local newspaper to emphasize the benefits of bicycling and walking in your community.

If your community got a TIGER II grant with a bike/ped piece, you can write a letter congratulating your local officials and discussing how this grant will improve your community. If your community applied for a grant but got passed over, you can explain your area’s need and highlight how important it is that elected officials put bike/ped issues on their priority list.

If you need further information or help drafting a letter, our partners at America Bikes are happy to help. Just e-mail Caron Whitaker at caron@americabikes.org or Daniel de Zeeuw at Daniel@americabikes.org.