Indianapolis Blue Line recommended for federal funding, weeks after bill to stall project dies

The Blue Line rapid transit system has been recommended to receive roughly $140 million in support from the federal government.

The announcement comes just weeks after the Blue Line rapid transit system was saved from a bill that would have scuttled those funds.

IndyGo officials warned lawmakers during testimony on the bill that would have paused construction of the Blue Line, claiming the delay would likely threaten millions of dollars in federal funds.

Only a last-minute negotiation between key lawmakers and Indianapolis officials was able to halt the bill's passage. Lawmakers have targeted the line in other recent legislative sessions.

Now those federal funds are likely secured, with the Federal Transit Administration announcing this week that the Blue Line bus system was among 14 large transit projects recommended to receive grant funding.

In total, roughly $4 billion dollars are recommended to support public transportation projects across 11 states.

The funding was part of President Biden’s budget request to congress, elements of which will ultimately need to be introduced and voted on by lawmakers.

IndyGo will receive roughly $142 million dollars in federal support for the project in addition to the $8 million it has already received.

In a statement, IndyGo officials said they were “grateful to the Federal Transit Administration for their continued confidence in our Blue Line project and the safety and infrastructure improvements it will bring to the Washington Street corridor from Cumberland to the airport.”

The specifics of the deal between lawmakers and IndyGo are still not public.

An IndyGo spokesperson said “there are still some discussions and analysis taking place internally post this legislative session. We don't have more to share around that just yet.”

The Blue Line will be IndyGo’s third bus rapid transit line, behind the Red Line and the Purple Line that is currently under construction.