April 30, 2026, TAMPA, Fla. Key transportation projects in Tampa Bay are progressing, thanks to new funding for the Tampa Bay Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) office. The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted an additional $650,000 to support efforts that enhance mobility, regional collaboration, and economic stability throughout the Tampa Bay region.

The RIA is part of a U.S. Department of Transportation initiative led by the Build America Bureau and is convened locally by the Tampa Bay Partnership. The program helps public agencies move complex transportation projects from planning toward implementation by providing technical assistance, innovative financing support, and a structured regional framework for collaboration.

“The Tampa Bay Regional Infrastructure Accelerator plays a critical role in helping address transportation challenges in our communities. This second round of funding allows us to continue convening partners, fostering collaboration, and ultimately find ways to increase safety, reduce congestion, and improve connectivity,” said Bemetra Simmons, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “Organizations that utilize the tailored recommendations from the RIA will accelerate delivery of transformative transportation projects across our rapidly growing region.”

This second funding round builds on the progress of the program’s initial phase, which identified projects with strong regional impact and readiness to advance. Through the RIA, participating agencies in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have received tailored support to refine project development, explore alternative delivery and financing strategies, reduce risk, and better position projects for future investment.

“It has been crystal clear for years that Tampa Bay needs more transit options, but the hurdle for the region has always been funding,” stated City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “This grant helps us push forward on developing new and innovative funding strategies for critical projects that will improve everyone’s quality of life for generations to come. Thanks to the leadership of the Tampa Bay Partnership and support of local agencies, we’re rolling up our sleeves and working together to move these projects from plans to reality.”

In 2023, the city of Tampa received a $1.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Build America Bureau to establish and operate a local RIA. Since the Tampa Bay Regional Infrastructure Kickoff in August 2025, the Tampa Bay RIA Office has been diligently developing a comprehensive list of candidate projects for evaluation, which has ultimately been narrowed to a focused set of priorities for inclusion in the RIA report. This initial list of almost 100 projects was derived from adopted long-range transportation plans and informed by direct input from our public agency partners across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, with an emphasis on projects that are implementation-ready and well-suited for innovative financing strategies. 

Eligible projects include transportation and infrastructure initiatives that demonstrate regional significance, measurable public benefit, and the ability to utilize innovative financing or delivery approaches. The RIA Office will continue its collaborative, partnership‑driven approach by working closely with public and private stakeholders to strengthen project readiness and identify clear, achievable paths to implementation.

Additional details about eligibility, timelines, and application materials for the second funding round will be released in the coming weeks. More information about the Tampa Bay RIA is available at www.TampaBayRIA.com.

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About the Tampa Bay Regional Infrastructure Accelerator

The Tampa Bay Regional Infrastructure Accelerator is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Regional Infrastructure Accelerator program, led by the Build America Bureau. The program supports the development and delivery of transformative transportation projects by providing technical expertise, innovative financing guidance, and a coordinated regional approach to infrastructure planning and project delivery.