May 28, 2026
On April 28, the Build America Bureau of the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded DVRPC a Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) Grant of $1.15 million to support transportation infrastructure modernization and improvements in Lower South Philadelphia and Delaware County.
The Build America Bureau of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) selected DVRPC to receive $1.15 million from the Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) grant program to support transportation infrastructure modernization, resilience, and other improvements in the Lower South area of Philadelphia and Delaware County. The RIA program helps regions accelerate the delivery of transportation infrastructure through innovative approaches to planning, financing, and partnerships. Since 2021, $54 million has funded 35 RIAs to fuel key infrastructure projects nationwide. Learn more about the RIA Program.
The Greater Philadelphia RIA - Lower South will focus on the Lower South area of Philadelphia and Delaware County shown above.The Lower South is a significant economic engine, logistics center, employment hub, and destination for the City of Philadelphia and for the region as a whole. Expansion and/or redevelopment plans are underway in nearly every corner of the Lower South area including at the Philadelphia International Airport, the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Port of Philadelphia, the Bellwether District, and the Philadelphia Sports Complex.
To help coordinate these planning efforts and the area’s multimodal transportation and resilience needs, the City of Philadelphia has been convening the Lower South Infrastructure Resilience Collaborative (LSIRC) since 2021. The two-year Greater Philadelphia RIA – Lower South process will promote the accelerated implementation of specific projects identified by LSIRC members to support the economic future of the area and align with USDOT and LSIRC goals. The Greater Philadelphia - Lower South RIA will also set the foundation on which to continue providing these services regionwide following this pilot.
“The Lower South District is critical to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s vision of economic opportunity for all Philadelphians,” said Michael A. Carroll, Deputy Managing Director, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. “We’re excited by the public and private interest in this district, and we’re committed to building safe, reliable, climate resilient connections to every corner of our city. This investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation speaks to that momentum.”
“PennDOT is proud to partner with the City and DVRPC to help ensure these innovative infrastructure projects get delivered to Lower South Philadelphia and Delaware County. We are excited to collaborate and create positive changes for our community,” said PennDOT District Executive Din Abazi.
“This grant award represents a significant step forward in developing a shared vision for the Lower South District and identifying new funding opportunities to support the infrastructure needed for current and future growth,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “SEPTA was pleased to support DVRPC’s application as an Advisory Partner, and we are grateful for their proactive efforts to plan and implement needed infrastructure solutions.”
“PhilaPort is pleased to support DVRPC and the Lower South Infrastructure Resilience Collaborative in advancing transportation and infrastructure solutions for this critical economic corridor,” said Michael K. Pearson, PhilaPort Board Chairman. “As we continue to expand port capacity, efficient and resilient infrastructure is essential to supporting operations, regional supply chains, and family-sustaining jobs. PhilaPort appreciates DVRPC’s leadership and looks forward to advancing projects that improve freight mobility, workforce access, and long-term economic competitiveness throughout the Lower South.”
"Strong, reliable infrastructure is essential for dynamic innovation hubs like the Navy Yard to continue growing and thriving,” said Kate McNamara, Executive Vice President, Navy Yard at PIDC. “As our campus evolves, ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades is critical to supporting businesses, attracting new opportunities, improving connectivity, and ensuring we can meet the needs of the companies, workers, and communities that rely on this ecosystem every day. We appreciate DVRPC's commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth and innovation."
Read the USDOT press release.
Grants, Transportation, Freight & Aviation, Transit, Economy, Commission