This page is designed to be a resource for member jurisdictions on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding opportunities.

IIJA and IRA Educational Resources

IIJA Implementation Resources and Tracker

This website contains links and resources related to all IIJA funding sourced, including a spreadsheet of all known formula and competitive grant programs in the IIJA. This resource has been developed to assist States and Territories navigate the IIJA programs and to easily access and see latest actions and upcoming milestones. The data is based on the best available information at the time. The tracker will be revised periodically.

DOT Resources for Grant Seekers

The DOT has put together resources such as Grant Programs 101, Credit Programs101, and other resources related to the pursuit of IIJA funding.

DOT Navigator

The DOT Navigator (https://www.transportation.gov/dot-navigator) is a new resource to help communities understand the best ways to apply for grants, and to plan for and deliver transformative infrastructure projects and services.

USDOT Technical Assistance Resources for Local Communities

The Division of Local Government (DLG) created this comprehensive resource to help local governments and nonprofit community organizations navigate the funding sources available through a variety of Federal and State programs. See the below instructions on use of this guide.

Colorado Forward

This page contains information of the America Rescue Plan Act, Colorado Recovery Plan, IIJA, and CARES Act.

Colorado Resiliency Office

The CRO hosts trainings, workshops, webinars, and events to help Colorado communities build their own capacity. Events — Colorado Resiliency Office (coresiliency.com)

CRO also holds office hours to support local communities as they navigate the IIJA funding. These are held the third Thursday of every month at 2 pm: IIJA Office Hours — Colorado Resiliency Office (coresiliency.com)

Colorado Infrastructure Summit

The Infrastructure Summit was held in July 2022 to help local governments navigate the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding opportunities. The following presentations and resources are available online:

New National Association of Counties (NACo) Resource for Understanding the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): Funding Table of BIL Opportunities for County Governments
A recording of this this webinar is available to those who want to learn about a new funding matrix for counties that details all funding opportunities accessible by counties that are provided for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Details include how counties can access funds, funding levels, special eligibility requirements, and most importantly, opportunities that counties can access.

Transportation Grant Opportunities

As of May 19, 2023

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and FHWA have a variety of competitive grant programs used to fund various types of transportation projects and activities. The matrix illustrates these programs broadly, organized by applicant type. Potential applicants should refer to the applicable column in the matrix. The matrix lists grant programs (rows), which can be matched with the potential applicant (columns) the program can fund. Potential applicants should review program specific guidance to make informed decisions about each program.

The FHWA will continue to add additional programs/information to this page over the weeks, months, and years to come.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Competitive Grant Programs | Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov)

USDOT has published a list of  Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for key IIJA/BIL programs. This list is not comprehensive and will be updated periodically with new programs and dates here.

If you are interested in knowing when funding opportunities for grants are announced, you can register at grants.gov to stay up to date with USDOT-wide NOFOs as they become available.

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program

REVISED application deadline: June 13, 2023

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law divides the CFI Program into two distinct grant funding categories, and requires that 50% of the funding over five years is made available for each:

The Community Program will provide $1.25 billion to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure, and hydrogen, propane, or natural gas fueling infrastructure in communities. Infrastructure may be located on any public road or in other publicly accessible locations such as parking facilities at public buildings, public schools, and public parks, or in publicly accessible parking facilities owned or managed by a private entity. Minimum award is $500,000.

The Corridor Program will provide $1.25 billion to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs). I-25 is the only AFC within the PPACG region at this time. 

Safe Streets and Roads for All Discretionary Grant Opportunity

Application Deadline: July 10, 2023.

Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 SS4A grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micromobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators.

Program Overview and How to Apply: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation

Upcoming webinars: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A/webinars

PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program 

Application Deadline: August 18, 2023

Grants will fund projects that improve the resilience of the surface transportation system, including highways, public transportation, ports, and intercity passenger rail. Projects selected should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities. They should support the continued operation or rapid recovery of crucial local, regional, or national surface transportation facilities. Furthermore, selected projects should utilize innovative and collaborative approaches to risk reduction, including the use of natural infrastructure.

There are four categories of funding under the PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program. One category is for Planning Grants. The other three categories are for Resilience Improvement, Community Resilience and Evacuation Routes, and At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure projects.

Complete NOFO and list of webinars is available at Discretionary – PROTECT – Environment – FHWA (dot.gov).

Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program

Application Deadline: August 1, 2023

FHWA announced the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. This NOFO covers both FY 2022 and FY 2023 for a total of $111.85 million that will be available to carry out projects that reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.  Federal, Tribal, State, local governments, and others are eligible to apply.  To view the NOFO please click here.

For more information and to access webinars on this program please check the webpage.  For questions and additional information please email: wildlifecrossings@dot.gov.

Revitalizing Main Streets

The CDOT Revitalizing Main Streets grant program enhances active transportation safety and strengthens the connection of people to main streets and central economic hubs. The program encourages physical activity and enhances local economic vitality in towns and cities across Colorado through funding infrastructure improvements to make walking and biking easy, yielding long-term benefits that bolster community connections.

CDOT is currently awarding Grant Opportunity 2, Small Multimodal & Economic Resiliency Projects grants.

Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development 

This Notice of Funding Availability is anticipated in May 2023. 

The Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support FTA’s mission of improving America’s communities through public transportation by providing funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning with a new fixed guideway or core capacity transit capital investment.

Multimodal Project Discretionary Grants (MPDG)

The 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is anticipated in Spring 2023. 

This NOFO combines three major discretionary grant programs.

  • The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL) funds projects to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life.
  • The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program funds projects to rebuild America’s infrastructure focused on improving safety, generating economic benefits, reducing congestion, enhancing resiliency, and eliminating supply chain bottlenecks/improving critical freight movements.
  • The National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) program funds major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs, including multijurisdictional or regional projects of significance that may also cut across multiple modes of transportation.

Overview, Application Guidelines, and Additional Information: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/mpdg-announcement

Thriving Communities Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity anticipated in Spring 2023. 

Beginning in 2023, the Thriving Communities Program will provide technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to teams of community partners that may lack the staffing or technical expertise to scope, fund, and develop infrastructure projects that advance broader community goals.

TCP will provide two years of deep-dive assistance to selected communities to help them plan and develop a pipeline of comprehensive transportation, housing, and community revitalization activities.

Webinars: Webinars and Outreach for the Thriving Communities Program | US Department of Transportation

Bridge Investment Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity anticipated in Summer 2023. 

The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of existing bridges across the country to reduce the overall number of those bridges either in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of declining into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibilities to create opportunity for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds.

Program overview: BIP – Funding Programs – Management and Preservation – Bridges & Structures – Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov)

Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity anticipated in Fall 2023. 

This program funds projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program

Notice of Funding Availability anticipated in Fall 2023. 

The SMART program was established to provide grants to eligible public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Program)

Notice of Funding Opportunity anticipated in Winter 2023/2024. 

The National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Program) is an annual competitive grant program that awards grants to eligible entities for projects for the replacement, removal, and repair of culverts or weirs that meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish. Anadromous fish species are born in freshwater such as streams and rivers, spend most of their lives in the marine environment, and migrate back to freshwater to spawn.

Resources and Information: Aquatic Organism Passage – Culvert Hydraulics – Hydraulics – Bridges & Structures – Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov)

Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program 

Notice of Funding Opportunity anticipated in Spring 2023. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) discretionary grant program, funded with $1 billion over the next 5 years.

It is the first-ever program to help reconnect communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure. Funding supports planning grants and capital construction grants, as well as technical assistance, to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities.

Eligible facilities: A highway, including a road, street, or parkway or other transportation facility, such as a railroad track, that creates a barrier to community connectivity, including barriers to mobility, access, or economic development, due to high speeds, grade separations, or other design factors.

Program overview: Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program – Planning Grants and Capital Construction Grants  | US Department of Transportation

Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity anticipated in Summer 2023. 

The purpose of the RCE Program is to fund highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods.

Fact sheet: Railroad Crossing Elim Grants Fact Sheet_0.pdf (dot.gov)

Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovative Mobility Deployment (ATTIMD) Program 

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED FOR 2022

ATTIMD directs FHWA to award grants to eligible entities to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment. FHWA intends for these model technology deployments to help demonstrate how emerging transportation technologies, data, and their applications can be effectively deployed and integrated with existing systems to provide access to essential services and other destinations. This also includes efforts to increase connectivity to employment, education, services, and other opportunities; support workforce development; or contribute to increased mobility, particularly for persons with visible and hidden disabilities and elderly individuals.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=343624

Areas of Persistent Poverty Program

Application window CLOSED for 2023
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the availability of $20,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 for the Areas of Persistent Poverty Program.  The Areas of Persistent Poverty Program awards grants to eligible applicants for planning, engineering, or development of technical or financing plans for projects eligible under Chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code to assist Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities.

Applicants may use FTA’s mapping tool to determine if a proposed project is in an Area of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Community.

Highway Safety Improvement Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED FOR 2023

Awards are anticipated to be announced in April 2023.

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core federal-aid program to States for the purpose of achieving significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roadways, including non-State owned roads and roads on tribal land. The HSIP requires a data-driven, strategic approach to improving highway safety on all public roads with a focus on performance to support zero deaths and serious injuries on Colorado roads.

Note: A new memorandum was released to clarify eligibility requirements for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) under the IIJA.

In addition, the IIJA established a new Special Rule under the HSIP for vulnerable road user (VRU) safety and continued two existing special rules for High-Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) and Older Drivers and Pedestrians.

All Stations Accessibility Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED FOR 2022

The All Stations Accessibility Program makes competitive funding available to assist in the financing of capital projects to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate infrastructure of stations or facilities for passenger use.

RAISE Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity
APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED FOR 2023

The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants. A total of $1.5 billion is available for the FY 2023 RAISE grant program. These funds will be awarded on a competitive basis, per statute, for surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve: safety; environmental sustainability; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation.

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Overview – https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants

Rail Vehicle Replacement Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED FOR 2023

The Rail Vehicle Replacement Program makes funding available competitively to help fund capital projects to replace rail rolling stock.  For the purposes of this program, rail rolling stock is defined as revenue service, passenger carrying vehicles, or propulsion (locomotives) vehicles necessary for the provision of rail public transportation.  The program is a set-aside of the State of Good Repair Formula Grants Program (49 U.S.C. 5337).

5339(c) Low or No Emission Grant Program and 5339(b) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED FOR 2023

FTA is combining these two grant opportunities in one NOFO, and applicants are welcome to apply to either program or both.

Overview: https://www.transit.dot.gov/notices-funding/low-or-no-emission-and-grants-buses-and-bus-facilities-competitive-programs-fy2022

FTA’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program makes funding available to help transit agencies purchase or lease U.S.-built low or no emission vehicles that use advanced technologies, including related equipment or facilities, for transit revenue operations. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.5 billion over five years for the Low-No Program—more than 10 times greater than the previous five years of funding. For Fiscal Year 2022, approximately $1.1 billion will be available for grants under this program.

FTA’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program makes funding available to help transit agencies purchase and rehabilitate buses, vans, and related equipment, and build bus facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $2 billion over five years for the Bus and Bus Facilities Program. For Fiscal Year 2022, approximately $372 million for grants will be available under this program.

 

Other Funding Opportunities and Resources

Innovative Mobility (OIM) Grants

Building upon the success of its Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Grants, the CDOT OIM Grants provide grants to private, public, non-profit, and local agencies to fund innovative mobility and electrification solutions in the state of Colorado.

The purpose of the expanded OIM grant is to help stakeholders with financial assistance to implement programs and projects to support the goals and objectives of the Office of Innovative Mobility’s core mission. This grant encompasses funding and opportunities from OIM’s Mobility Services, Electrification & Energy, and Mobility Technology Programs.

Information webinar: November 9, 12:00-12:50 PM.
Application deadline: December 9, 11:59 PM.
You may find the application templates and additional information on the OIM Grants Webpage.

Resources

Colorado Broadband Office – https://broadband.colorado.gov/funding.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration Grants – https://broadband.colorado.gov/funding.

PPACG Regional Broadband Working Group – Regional Broadband Working Group – Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (ppacg.org)

IIJA Grant Opportunities

ReConnect Program – This existing Department of Agriculture program will provide almost $2 billion in loans and grants for projects that provide broadband in rural areas.

Middle Mile Grants Program – This new $1 billion program at the Department of Commerce provides grants for the construction, improvement or acquisition of middle mile broadband infrastructure.

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program – This new $1 billion program at the Department of Homeland Security makes available  federal funds to state, local, and tribal governments to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems that  they own or operate. Applications will likely open during the third quarter of 2022.

Smart Grid Investment Grant Program and Energy Sector Operational Support For Cyber Resilience Program – These two Department of Energy programs will provide $3 billion and $50 million, respectively, for electric utilities, including municipal and co-operative utilities, to modernize the electricity grid and increase resilience to cybersecurity threats.

PPACG Funding Report

PPACG Wildfire Mitigation Funding Report – working draft Feb 10 2022

Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program

The Community Wildfire Defense Grants are intended to help at-risk local communities and Tribes plan and reduce the risk against wildfire. For more information visit: Community Wildfire Defense Grant | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

Clean Energy to Communities

Communities consistently say that “learning from their peers” is a preferred mechanism for making progress on their clean energy ambitions. Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) peer-learning pilot cohorts will provide communities with strategic and technical support; helpful materials, such as templates, trainings, tools, best practices, and analyses; and opportunities for collaboration with other communities across the United States facing similar challenges. Information: Application: C2C Peer-Learning Pilot Cohorts (office.com)

IIJA Grant Opportunities

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program – This existing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program will distribute $1 billion to support communities undertaking hazard mitigation projects to reduce the risks they face from disasters and other natural hazards. Applications are due January 27, 2023.

Flood Mitigation Assistance – $3.5 billion from this existing FEMA program can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of  repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. Applications are due January 27, 2023.

Brownfields Remediation Program – This existing EPA program provides $1.2 billion in grants and technical assistants to communities to assess and safely clean-up contaminated properties and offer job training programs.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants – This Department of Energy block grant program will provide $550 million to states, local governments, and tribes for projects that reduce energy use, increase energy efficiency, and cut pollution. The first funding opportunity is expected for release in the Fall of 2022.

Grants for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements in Schools – This new Department of Energy Program will provide  $500 million for local government education agencies and nonprofit partners to make energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean vehicle upgrades and improvements at public schools. The opportunity to apply for funding is expected to be open in the Fall of 2022.

Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas – This new Department of Energy program will provide $1 billion to entities in rural or remote areas (defined as cities, towns, or unincorporated areas with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants) to increase environmental protection  from the impacts of energy use and improve resilience, reliability, safety, and availability of energy. Applications for funding are expected to be open in the Fall of 2022.

Grants for Energy Efficiency and Resilience Code Adoption – This Department of Energy program will provide $225 million to state energy agencies, in partnership with local building code agencies, codes and standards developers, utilities, and other entities, to enable sustained, cost-effective implementation of updated building energy codes to save customers money on their energy bills. Applications for funding are expected to be open by the end of 2022.

Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs – This new Department of Energy program will provide $8 billion to support the development of at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs to improve clean hydrogen production, processing, delivery, storage, and end use.

Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Webinars

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation offers webinars to help states and key stakeholders build capacity for electric vehicles and plan for charging infrastructure. Past webinars are available for viewing: https://driveelectric.gov/webinars/#equity-webinar.

Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES)

The ROUTES initiative aims to ensure rural transportation infrastructure’s unique challenges are considered in order to meet priority transportation goals of safety, mobility, and economic competitiveness.

The Rural EV Infrastructure Toolkit was recently released to help rural communities plan and fund electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

FHWA Funding Brochure

The FHWA issued an updated brochure: Federal Funding is Available For Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure On the National Highway System (dot.gov).

Alternative Fuel Corridors

Information regarding Alternative Fuel Corridors, including interactive maps and the request for nominations for new corridors is available online: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/alternative_fuel_corridors/.

Colorado Plan for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program

Colorado is expected to receive $57 million over the next five years to create an EV charging network across the state. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) will be working with partners and stakeholders to develop the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Implementation Plan. Information is available online: https://www.codot.gov/programs/innovativemobility/electrification/nevi-plan

Clean School Bus Program

The Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over the next five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. EPA solicited applications for $500 million through the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates for zero-emission and low-emission school bus rebates as the first funding opportunity. Information is available at Clean School Bus Program | US EPA

Colorado Programs

The following are among the state-wide programs related to electric vehicles. Details on each can be found at Alternative Fuels Data Center: Colorado Laws and Incentives (energy.gov)

 

EPA Memorandum for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

The EPA has released a memorandum outlining a strategy for collaborative implementation with state, local, and Tribal partners of $43 billion in water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA’s implementation memo highlights the flexibility provided to states and borrowers to address a wide variety of local water quality and public health challenges.

The memorandum and related information can be found online: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law SRF Memorandum | US EPA.

Solid Waste Management Grants

This program reduces or eliminates pollution of water resources by providing funding for organizations that provide technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites. Information: Solid Waste Management Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov)

IIJA Grant Opportunities

Water & Groundwater Storage and Conveyance – This existing $1 billion program at the Department of Interior provides funding for water storage projects with capacity between 2,000 and 30,000 acre-feet – as well as projects convey water to or from surface water or groundwater storage.

Emergency Watershed Protection Program – This existing Department of Agriculture program will provide $300 million in technical and financial assistance to project sponsors for the design and construction of measures to help repair damages from a recent disaster. Applications for emergency situations (imminent threat to life and property) must be submitted within 10 days of the disaster; applications for non-emergency situations must be submitted within 60 days of the disaster.