Ladders of Opportunity Through TIGER
The United States Department of Transportation distributed nearly $600 million for 72 transportation projects in 46 states and the District of Columbia from its TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) 2014 program.
In selecting projects, Secretary Foxx prioritized the extent to which the proposed project strengthens access to opportunities through transportation improvements, consistent with the Ladders of Opportunity Initiative. By investing in transportation projects that better connect communities to centers of employment, education, and services, and that hold promise to stimulate long term job growth, especially in economically distressed areas, the Department seeks to enhance opportunity for all Americans. The TIGER 2014 program gave additional consideration to projects that seek to strengthen opportunities to expand the middle class.
Transportation projects can have dramatic impacts on opportunity in a number of ways.