The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an ambitious project in an effort to “repair the societal rifts created by past infrastructural decisions.” Known as the Reconnecting Communities Institute (RCI), this initiative is spearheaded by Cadmus Group and backed with a $27 million cash injection.
In particular, it aims to mend the divides that have isolated some neighborhoods from essential services and opportunities. It’s scheduled to fully launch in the latter part of 2024, with the RCI serving as a resource for communities looking to benefit from the broader socio-economic landscape.
Cadmus Group's Role and Strategy
In its own words, Cadmus Group is a “strategic and technical consultancy compelled to help solve the world's most challenging problems.” It helps its clients create social and economic value and improve the quality of people's lives through transformative projects.
As part of its contract, the group will offer its interdisciplinary capacity-building skills to offer training and technical assistance via the establishment of the RCI. The RCI will be supported by a diverse team consisting of 13 partner organizations, including two national nonprofits and seven disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs).
Over 20% of the entire budget for this project will go towards supporting these DBEs.
Other key players in this initiative are the Build America Bureau and the Federal Highway Administration, which will manage the contractor (Cadmus Group).
According to Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, “With historic funding provided under the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have an opportunity to help communities invest in high-quality transportation infrastructure that will improve quality of life and better connect residents for years to come.”
“This new program will be another tool in our growing technical assistance toolbox that will increase opportunities for communities that are seeking funding and low-cost financing options for projects that address harm from past infrastructure planning decisions, accelerate economic development, and improve access to everyday destinations,” said Build America Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian.
Impact and Goals
The contract awarded to Cadmus Group is just one among many amid a slew of transportation investments made by the current administration.
“The Biden-Harris administration is making unprecedented investments to help reconnect communities that were divided by past transportation decisions, with $3.3 billion awarded across the country just a few weeks ago,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Now, with the new Reconnecting Communities Institute, we are providing communities tailored assistance to plan great locally-led transportation improvements, apply for funding, and deliver their projects.”
States, local and tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and non-profits are all welcome to enroll with the RCI. However, the DOT will prioritize enrollment for entities serving economically disadvantaged communities, including rural and tribal ones. Many other training and educational programs will be made available to the public.
Any entities involved in building organizational or community capacity in transportation planning for reconnecting communities may participate in the initiative. This includes Reconnecting Community Pilot (RCP) program planning or capital construction grant recipients, prospective grant applicants, and unsuccessful RCP program grant applicants, among others.
Summary
Time will tell whether the RCI will be successful in addressing the disparities wrought by historical transportation infrastructure decisions. However, through its comprehensive approach and network of strategic partners, the initiative shows great promise to revitalize and reintegrate isolated communities.
