The Town of Riverhead has secured a $24 million RAISE Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation thanks to its innovative use of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) First and Last Mile Toolkit. Riverhead utilized the toolkit to map out key bike and pedestrian improvements near its Long Island Rail Road station (LIRR), crafting a compelling case that led to significant Federal funding. This grant will enable the town to enhance local infrastructure, improve public transit access, and foster a healthier, more sustainable community.
The First and Last Mile Toolkit, developed by the MTA in collaboration with VHB, is a groundbreaking resource designed to help municipalities plan and implement sustainable infrastructure improvements around Metro-North Railroad (MNR) and LIRR stations. Its primary goal is to improve access to public transportation by encouraging walking, biking, and shuttle options while reducing dependence on single-occupancy vehicles. Additionally, reducing the demand for station parking opens the potential for transit-oriented development on land currently used for surface parking. As demonstrated by Riverhead, the toolkit not only enhances transit access but also helps municipalities secure essential federal and state funding for these improvements.
“The toolkit was designed to empower local municipalities with the resources they need to not only envision transportation solutions but make them a reality,” said Matthew Kalish, Transit Planner at VHB. “Riverhead’s success is a perfect example of how this tool can unlock transformative change for communities across the state.”
The toolkit’s interactive features allow users to visualize various improvements—such as bike lanes, additional sidewalks, and traffic calming measures—while calculating costs and providing funding options, marketing strategies, and third-party connections to move the initiatives forward. VHB was instrumental in creating an online version of the toolkit, which replaced traditional paper methods and provided a more flexible, long-term solution for MTA and the municipalities it serves.
Working closely with the MTA and other stakeholders, VHB helped develop pilot programs in 10 communities served by MNR and LIRR—including Riverhead—to identify gaps in walking biking, shared ride, and transit infrastructure; propose improvements; and highlight potential funding opportunities. Riverhead's success in securing the $24 million RAISE Grant highlights the toolkit’s effectiveness in driving impactful infrastructure projects.
By encouraging alternative means of station access, the First and Last Mile Toolkit marks a significant step toward improving transportation efficiency and promoting sustainable, healthier, and economically viable communities across the Hudson Valley and Long Island.
Learn more about VHB’s transportation solutions today.
