BIRMINGHAM, Ala– The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau to receive $1 million through the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program. 

The award will provide 100% federally funded technical assistance over a 36-month period to help BJCTA evaluate innovative redevelopment and financing opportunities across key agency-owned assets while strengthening long-term financial sustainability and expanding community benefit opportunities. 

Through the grant, BJCTA will procure specialized advisory support to analyze public-private partnership (P3) opportunities, innovative financing strategies, and transit-oriented development (TOD) concepts for three strategic properties in Birmingham: 

• CrossPlex West Transit Center (4812 Avenue W.) 
• Central Station Transit Center (1735 Morris Avenue) 
• Intermodal Administrative Building (1801 Morris Avenue) 

The initiative will focus on identifying opportunities to maximize underutilized space, generate sustainable revenue streams, improve community connectivity, and support long-term transit investment. 

“This award represents more than funding, it is an investment in the future of transit and community development in Birmingham,” said Charlotte Shaw, CEO of BJCTA. “Being selected among only 45 recipients nationwide affirms that innovative thinking can happen at agencies of every size. This grant allows us to explore transformative opportunities that strengthen our system financially while creating meaningful value for our riders and the communities we serve.” 

The project will include market and demand analysis, financial feasibility modeling, public-private partnership structuring, value capture strategies, community engagement, and implementation planning designed to support future redevelopment opportunities. 

Potential outcomes include: 
• Identification of new revenue-generating opportunities to strengthen transit operations 
• Expanded mixed-use and community-focused development opportunities 
• Enhanced connectivity and rider experience around transit hubs 
• Evaluation of affordable commercial and community-serving uses 
• Development of procurement and partnership frameworks for future investment 

BJCTA’s approach is designed to ensure that redevelopment strategies remain grounded in community priorities and equitable outcomes while positioning the agency to pursue future capital and financing opportunities. 

The grant-funded work will be completed in phases over three years and will include engagement with local stakeholders, public meetings, technical analysis, and final strategic recommendations. 

“As transit agencies continue to evolve, we must think differently about how we leverage public assets to create lasting impact,” Shaw added. “This effort positions BJCTA to continue delivering mobility solutions while strengthening Birmingham’s economic and community landscape.” 

Additional information about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Years 2024–2026 Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program award selections is available below: 

• Recipient List: FY24-26 IFAC Award List.pdf. 
• U.S. DOT Announcement: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Invests $47 Million to Get America Building Again with Public-Private Partnership Engagement | US Department of Transportation 

The post BJCTA Selected to Receive $1 Million Through U.S. DOT’s Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program  appeared first on MAX Transit.