WSP is pleased to announce the appointment of Coral Torres Cruz, EIT, as senior vice president and lead for grant strategy and development services. Previously, she held the position of chief of staff for the office of the Under Secretary of Transportation at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In her new role, Torres Cruz will head WSP’s grants strategy and development group within the Advisory and Planning department, which aids clients in securing competitive grant funding from federal, state, and local sources. Her responsibilities will include direct collaboration with both public and private organizations to identify potential funding opportunities and manage grants post-award, which encompasses grant agreements, monitoring, compliance, and closure processes.
Jannet Walker-Ford, business line executive for Advisory and Planning at WSP, highlighted Torres Cruz’s extensive background, stating, “Her 16 years of experience in the federal government provide her with unique insights into the grant process, which will greatly benefit our clients as they seek funding for vital infrastructure projects.”
Torres Cruz has played a crucial role in shaping transportation policy, focusing on climate and equity within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). She has overseen the implementation of more than $660 billion in federal funds that have advanced over 50,000 infrastructure projects nationwide. Her prior experience includes serving as a senior advisor at the Federal Highway Administration and as a strategic sustainability leader at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Educationally, Torres Cruz holds a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in transportation engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
WSP’s Advisory and Planning team strives to secure diverse funding opportunities for infrastructure projects, including significant initiatives like the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grants (RAISE) and the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG). The firm has successfully assisted clients in obtaining nearly $24.3 billion of BIL funding since its introduction in 2021, thereby ensuring that thorough transportation corridor analyses can lead to effective investments at multiple governmental levels.
WSP USA continues to lead in offering sustainable solutions to enhance our cities and environment. With a commitment to creating positive impacts, WSP aims to reach lasting improvements through innovation, integrity, and inclusion.
In summary, WSP’s strategic hire of Coral Torres Cruz is poised to strengthen its grants strategy, aligning with ongoing efforts to secure vital funding for infrastructure enhancement while fostering sustainability and equity. This move not only showcases WSP’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in grant management but also signals a promising future for infrastructure development across the United States.