USDOT Technical Assistance Spotlight
• The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is offering a new, free, four-hour online Fundamentals of Community Impact Assessment (CIA) course through the National Highway Institute (FHWA-NHI-142096) that explores the iterative process of evaluating the effects of a transportation action on a community and its quality of life. This course will inform transportation practitioners from State DOTs, metropolitan planning organizations, regional and local agencies, and partners about resources and techniques to prepare for and conduct CIAs, act on their findings, and monitor results. To find the course, visit the NHI Blackboard course catalog and search for the course number.
• The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is organizing a virtual public engagement workshop. The workshop engages transportation practitioners, community leaders, and members of the public on ensuring that meaningful public involvement is part of the transportation decision making process. Please complete the virtual workshop form; individuals that fill out the form will receive a notification about the date and registration information for the virtual workshop.
• The USDOT recently released a new fact sheet showcasing how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded projects are repairing old bridges, making roadways safer, upgrading ports to be more efficient, modernizing airport terminals, and expanding public transit and passenger rail services. View the new fact sheet.
• USDOT’s Modernizing NEPA Challenge aims to make documents associated with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) more accessible and transparent to reviewing agencies and the public, while also saving time and improving document quality. Specifically, the Challenge intends to increase accessibility to historically under-represented populations by allowing the public to read and comment on documents from a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The Challenge seeks submissions across two categories: 1) Public-Facing Interactive Documents, and 2) Interagency Collaborative Tools and Documents. The application period closes July 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm PT. All submissions must be made through the Modernizing NEPA Challenge posting on Challenge.gov. To learn more about key Challenge details and steps on how to apply, view the recording of a DOT informational webinar (Passcode: C54?2mX3). For more information or questions on the Modernizing NEPA Challenge, contact ModernizingNEPA@dot.gov
Upcoming USDOT Funding Resources and Opportunities
The USDOT Discretionary Grants Dashboard provides communities with an overview of discretionary grant opportunities that can help meet their transportation infrastructure needs. The Dashboard also includes Federal grant programs outside of DOT that may be of particular interest to rural communities. The list below spotlights just a few of the currently open funding opportunities; visit the Grants Dashboard to find more or check out the calendar of open and upcoming grant opportunities!
New and Notable!
• FTA announced the availability of nearly $10.5 million in competitive grant funds for agencies to plan transit-adjacent development. FTA’s Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning supports local planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities, with a focus on projects that plan for affordable housing. To apply for funding, an applicant must be an existing FTA grant recipient – either a project sponsor of an eligible transit project or an entity with land use planning authority in the project corridor. Learn more at FTA’s TOD webpage. The application period closes on July 22, 2024.
• FHWA has opened round 2 of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) discretionary grant program. The CFI Round 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) offers up to $1.3 billion in funding for new and previously submitted applications. The CFI Program is a grant program created to deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work, in addition to along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles. This program provides two categories of grants: (1) Community Charging and Alternative Fueling Grants (Community Program), and (2) Charging and Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program). Applications are due August 28, 2024.
Closing Soon!
• FHWA is accepting applications for up to $44.5 million in funding for projects that will strengthen safety and improve bicycling, walking, and access to public transit in communities across the country. FHWA’s new Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) focuses on building networks of connected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, including improving trail networks between communities. The funding is available for states, local and Tribal governments, as well as metropolitan and regional planning organizations. Applicants can apply for more than one grant. Applications are due June 17, 2024.
• FTA is accepting applications for $316 million to support and modernize passenger ferry service in communities across the country. Funding is available for the Passenger Ferry Program ($51 million), the Electric or Low Emitting Ferry Program ($49 million), and the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program ($216 million). Find more information on the FTA website. Applications are due via grants.gov by June 17, 2024.
Other Grant Opportunities
Closing in July
• DOT is accepting applications for the third year of its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. The program will fund up to $500 million in grants over five years to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems that improve transportation safety and efficiency. Through this SMART NOFO, USDOT will accept applications for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. Later this year, recipients of Stage 1 grants will be eligible to expand their projects through the first of several Stage 2 grant opportunities. Applications are due July 12, 2024 by 2:00 pm PT. For more information on applying, see the resources under How to Apply. View the recording of a webinar on How to Apply for the FY 2024 Stage 1 SMART Grant NOFO.
Closing in August
• The final deadline for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning and Demonstration Grant applications is Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm PT. Late applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted through Valid Eval. For more information, please visit the How to Apply page of the SS4A website. Applicants are encouraged to review the NOFO amendment, published on April 16, 2024, for the latest updates on the SS4A FY24 funding opportunity. A final round of questions and answers is now available on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. New FAQs as of April 1, 2024, can be found by searching for *NEW* in the title.
In preparing your application for any of the above programs, be sure to read the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity and related program materials to ensure your project and organization are eligible and you are meeting other program/application requirements. General information to help prepare for DOT applications can also be found on the DOT Navigator, including the Discretionary Grant Preparation Checklist for Prospective Applicants.
Popular USDOT Navigator Grant Application Resources
• Understanding Non-Federal Match Requirements
• Grant Application Checklist for a Strong Transportation Workforce and Labor Plan
• Checklist for a Strong Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience Grant Application
• Federal Tools to Determine Disadvantaged Community Status
• What Is a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA)?
• Use of DOT Funds for Public Involvement
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If you have information or resources you would like to be considered for inclusion in future USDOT Navigator biweekly bulletins, reach out to USDOTAssist@dot.gov.
Click the link below to join the listserv or visit the USDOT Navigator to find information and resources on applying for USDOT grants and planning for and delivering transformative infrastructure projects and services.