Clearwater Intermodal Center RAISE Grant Technical Support

Benesch has been a key partner in advancing transit improvements for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). Initially, Benesch supported PSTA in developing a BUILD grant application for improvements to the Clearwater Transfer Center by conducting a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) and preparing the necessary documentation.

Building on this effort, Benesch assisted PSTA in refining the project scope for a new Clearwater Intermodal Center and developing a RAISE Grant application to secure federal funding. To optimize project scoring under the RAISE Grant criteria, Benesch conducted a detailed BCA highlighting the project’s benefits, including increased operational efficiency, improved mobility for residents in areas of persistent poverty, enhanced traffic safety and reduced environmental impacts.

As a result of these efforts, PSTA was awarded over $20 million in RAISE Grant funding to replace the existing Clearwater Transfer Center with a modernized facility—ensuring a more efficient and accessible transit hub for the community.