What is the Thriving Communities Program?

The Thriving Communities Program is an effort of the US Department of Transportation, the lead federal agency funding transportation, transit, and infrastructure investments across the country. The program is designed to help communities, like Sumas, plan and complete important transportation projects that make every day travel safer and easier. Partners provide expert support so Sumas leaders can navigate complex funding and planning processes without having to do it all alone. Overall, the program aims to ensure small and rural communities get the resources they need to improve roads, sidewalks, public transportation, and connections that keep the city moving forward.

Who is involved?

Through the Thriving Communities Program, Sumas is receiving support from several partners including the lead agency, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), with support from Accelerator for America (economic development), Intelligent Transportation Society (ITS) of America, as well as students and faculty from Western Washington University’s (WWU) Urban Planning and Sustainable Development (UPSD) program. The students and faculty are assisting with community engagement and design recommendations.

How are the projects funded?

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program is funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 (https://www.transportation.gov/grants/thrivingcommunities).