WSP has announced the appointment of Coral Torres Cruz, EIT, as the new senior vice president and lead for grant strategy and development services. Prior to joining WSP, Torres Cruz played a significant role as chief of staff in the office of the Under Secretary of Transportation at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
In her new role, Torres Cruz will lead WSP’s grants strategy and development team, which is responsible for aiding clients in the planning and execution of competitive grant applications for funding from various federal, state, and local sources. She will work closely with both public and private organizations to identify funding opportunities and manage grants effectively after they have been awarded, overseeing everything from grant agreements to compliance and closure.
Jannet Walker-Ford, the business line executive for Advisory and Planning at WSP, highlighted Torres Cruz’s extensive 16 years of experience in federal government, noting that her insights into the grant application process will greatly benefit clients in securing vital funding for crucial infrastructure projects. “Her deep knowledge and awareness of changing requirements related to environmental and equity issues provide our clients with a competitive advantage in maximizing funding,” remarked Walker-Ford.
Previously, Torres Cruz served as chief of staff under both Under Secretary Carlos Montje Jr. and acting Under Secretary Christopher Coes, advising on transportation policies, especially concerning climate and equity programs in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). She has been instrumental in the implementation of over $660 billion in federal funds that have initiated more than 50,000 infrastructure projects across the nation.
Her background includes senior advisory roles at the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, where she focused on strategic planning and performance management. Additionally, she held a key position as senior sustainability officer for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, contributing to the development of initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in federal operations.
Coral 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 group aims to facilitate clients in harnessing funding opportunities for infrastructure development, including access to the U.S. DOT’s RAISE grant program and the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant. Since the BIL’s enactment, WSP’s grants team has successfully helped clients secure nearly $24.3 billion in funding. Their strategic approach in planning ensures that transportation projects align with financial feasibility, translating into successful investments at all governmental levels.
WSP USA, part of one of the largest professional services firms globally, emphasizes delivering sustainable solutions across various sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, and environmental services, with a commitment to making a positive impact on the communities they serve.
This strategic appointment signifies a hopeful advancement in WSP’s efforts to support infrastructure growth and sustainability, particularly in light of the importance of environmental and equity considerations in current transportation planning. Torres Cruz’s expertise is likely to enhance WSP’s capabilities in securing and managing grants, fostering a future of resilient infrastructure development.