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. This includes:

• applying for federal grants and understanding some of the key requirements;
• access to existing resources and programs funded or managed by DOT that can provide deeper levels of assistance, technical information, best practices, and training; and
• information to help access IIJA/BIL funding programs.

USDOT Technical Assistance Resources for Local Communities

•  FEDERAL-AID ESSENTIALS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCIES (FHWA): An online library of informational videos and resources designed specifically for local public agencies to understand the many project phases and different regulations and requirements.
•  THE THRIVING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM (TCP): This program will support community planning and project development of transformative infrastructure projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
•  RURAL OPPORTUNITIES TO USE TRANSPORTATION FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS (ROUTES): ROUTES is an initiative to address disparities in rural transportation infrastructure by developing user-friendly tools and information, aggregating DOT resources, and providing technical assistance.
•  BUILD AMERICA BUREAU: In 2022, the Build America Bureau will launch several new technical assistance programs to support innovative finance for Tribal, rural, and regional projects.

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)

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.

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.

RAISE Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity
Application Deadline: February 28, 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

2023 NOFO: https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/raise-nofo

The IIJA establishes the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters through support of planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk costal infrastructure.

Additional information will be updated as it becomes available.

Program Implementation Guidance was released July 29, 2022: INFORMATION: Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program Implementation Guidance (dot.gov)

FHWA Fact Sheet: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program Fact Sheet | Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov)

Rail Vehicle Replacement Program

Application Deadline: January 5, 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).

NOFO: Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 Competitive Grants for Rail Vehicle Replacement Program (Rail Program) Notice of Funding | FTA (dot.gov)

Webinars: November 3, 1:30 pm Eastern – Webinar Registration – Zoom (zoomgov.com)

Thriving Communities Program

Application Deadline: Interested applicants must identify community partners and together submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) by December 6, 2022

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.

How to Apply: How to Apply for the Thriving Communities Program | US Department of Transportation

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

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

Application Deadline: February 6, 2023

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.

NOFO: View Opportunity | GRANTS.GOV

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

Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program

Application Deadline: December 1, 2022

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=343386

Webinar recording: https://railroads.dot.gov/rail-network-development/training-guidance/webinars-0

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED: due November 18, 2022

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.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-09/FY22%20SMART%20Grants%20NOFO_Final.pdf

Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovative Mobility Deployment (ATTIMD) Program 

Application Deadline: November 8, 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

Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED: due October 24, 2022

NSFLTP provides funding for the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of nationally-significant projects within, adjacent to, or accessing Federal and tribal lands. This Program provides an opportunity to address significant challenges across the nation for transportation facilities that serve Federal and tribal lands.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=343073

Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program – Planning Grans and Capital Construction Grants

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED: due October 13, 2022

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program – NOFO FY2022 | US Department of Transportation

Past Webinars with available recordings: Reconnecting Communities – Webinars | US Department of Transportation

All Stations Accessibility Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED: due October 7, 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.

Fact sheet: https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fact-sheet-all-stations-accessibility-program

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=342716

Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program

APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED: due October 4, 2022

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)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Notice of Funding Opportunity for the FY22 Railroad Crossing Elimination Program | FRA (dot.gov)

Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning – Section 20005(b)

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.

On November 17, 2022, FTA announced the award of approximately $13.1 million to 19 projects in 14 states in FY22 TOD planning grants to support community efforts to improve access to public transportation.

FTA launched a TOD Planning Program GIS dashboard that showcases information on awarded proposals and the respective planning studies. To navigate the user-friendly tool, simply click on a dot on the map and learn more about the project. For questions about this tool, please feel free to contact April McLean-McCoy.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Discretionary Grant Opportunity

Application Deadline: CLOSED FOR 2022
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

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Discretionary Grant Opportunity (transportation.gov)

Recordings of past webinars: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A/webinars

Bridge Investment Program

Application Deadline: CLOSED FOR 2022
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)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): View Opportunity | GRANTS.GOV

FY2022 Multimodal Project Discretionary Grants (MPDG)

Application Deadline: CLOSED FOR 2022
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (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

Recordings of previous webinars: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/mpdg-webinars

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

Application Deadline: CLOSED FOR 2022
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for approximately $1.1 billion in competitive grants under the Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) and approximately $372 million under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program (Buses and Bus Facilities Program), subject to availability of appropriated funding. See the Federal Register Notice. FTA is combining these two grant opportunities in one NOFO, and applicants are welcome to apply to either program or both. Synopses and full announcement are posted on Grants.Gov as opportunity FTA-2022-001-TPM-LWNO for Low-No applications and FTA-2022-002-TPM-BUSC for Buses and Bus Facilities applications. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Grants.Gov website.

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.

 

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

• https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/

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.

• https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/rulemaking/docs/Section148_SpecialRule_Guidance.pdf

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)

• Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Infrastructure Grant Program and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants: For the PPACG Region applications would go through the Colorado Energy Office (CEO): http://cleanairfleets.org/programs/alt-fuels-colorado
• Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging Plazas Program: EV Fast-Charging Plazas | Colorado Energy Office
• Impact Assistance Program for Public Fleets: https://cdola.colorado.gov/funding-programs/energy/mineral-impact-assistance-fund-grant-eiaf
• Advanced Industries (AI) Accelerator Program Grants: https://choosecolorado.com/doing-business/advanced-industries/
• Electric Vehicle (EV) and Infrastructure Coaching Service: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/zero-emission-vehicles/recharge-colorado

 

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.