The city of Ames has received a $500,000 planning grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program to support the next phase of downtown transportation and infrastructure planning. The grant will fund planning and preliminary design work for the “Multi-Modal Downtown Transit Hub” project. This effort, aimed at enhancing downtown access, safety and connectivity, aligns with the city’s “Downtown Ames: A Guiding Vision” plan to strengthen redevelopment and economic vitality in the urban core. Ames was one of 49 cities selected from nearly 800 applicants to distribute $54.2 million in federal investment promoting rural infrastructure and mobility.