USDOT streamlines grant application process for major infrastructure projects

The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for up to $5.6 billion in funding for infrastructure projects of national or regional significance, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced yesterday.

The funding, which comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supports three major discretionary grant programs that involve surface transportation projects designed to strengthen supply chains, spur economic development and improve safety and daily life, according to a USDOT press release.

Due Aug. 21, the applications for funding are being solicited under the new "Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant" program.

Available funding includes:

• $1.8 billion for the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program, which supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility or safety benefits. Eligible projects could include highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail and public transportation projects;

• $3.1 billion for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program. Eligible projects will improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance resiliency and potentially eliminate supply-chain bottlenecks and improve critical freight movements; and

• $675 million for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) program. Eligible projects include highway, bridge and tunnel projects that help improve freight and safety; and provide or increase access to agricultural, commercial, energy or transportation facilities.

"Using a combined process to reduce paperwork, we are pleased to open this new round of funding for applications and look forward to hearing from project sponsors around the country seeking funds to help strengthen their communities through infrastructure," said Buttigieg.

More information about the funding opportunities is available here.