The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration announced approximately $8.4 million to improve public transportation for underserved groups.

The Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program will be offered to 17 projects in 16 states, according to a June 16 news release.

"Transportation is a lifeline for Americans, connecting them to doctors, dentists, hospitals and other health care providers all over the country," DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the news release. "Because of the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today's grants will help improve the health and lives of people in underserved communities who need and deserve access to health care and other essential services."

Federal Transit Administration Administrator Nuria Fernandez | transit.dot.gov/

The program reportedly strives to increase access to health care appointments by coordinating partnerships between health, transportation and other service providers, the release reported. About $4.6 million of this year's program awards were funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"This program supports statewide and regional strategies to help ensure people who are especially challenged in accessing health care can reach the services they need," FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said in the news release. "We are so pleased to provide resources that help reach into the forgotten corners of our communities to ensure no one is left behind."

Among this year's selected grant recipients is the the Ohio Department of Transportation, Southwest Colorado Council of Governments and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, according to the release.

Anyone who would like more information on the program, including prior-year funded projects, may visit FTA's page about the program. Selected projects are available on the FTA website.