USDOT Announces Grant Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Thursday a $2.9 billion federal grant program for infrastructure projects.

In a news release, USDOT said the program will combine three existing programs, including the  Infrastructure for Rebuilding America,  National Infrastructure Project Assistance  and Rural Surface Transportation Grant into one multimodal discretionary grant opportunity.

USDOT said this will reduce the burden on state and local government applicants and increase the number of “shovel-worthy” projects being funded by money from the Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act.

INFRA grants target highway, multimodal freight and rail projects. Last year, USDOT awarded $1 billion in grants from this program but will have $1.55 billion this year.

MEGA grants fund major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs, while RURAL grants support projects designed to improve and expand surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas.

This year the MEGA program will receive up to $1 billion and the RURAL program will award up to $300 million in grants.  

The deadline for applications involving all three grant programs is May 23.

Tags: federal transportation grants, U.S. Department of Transportation, USDOT grant programs