USDOT accepting applications for Multimodal Project Discretionary Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for three discretionary grant programs that involve surface transportation projects designed to strengthen supply chains, spur economic development, and improve safety.

Applications for the Mega grant (also known as National Infrastructure Project Assistance), Infrastructure for Rebuilding America, and the Rural Surface Transportation Grant programs are being solicited together under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant program.

Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the MPDG will support projects as follows:

• $1.8 billion through the Mega program to support 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 of national or regional significance. Half of the funds are available for projects above $500 million in total cost, and half is available for projects between $100 million and $500 million in total cost.

• $3.1 billion will be available through Infrastructure for Rebuilding America for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, accessibility, efficiency and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas.

• $675 million will be available through the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program to support projects that improve and expand surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas in order 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. 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 that support the economy of a rural area. Ninety percent of rural funding must be awarded in $25 million or greater amounts.

States, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, special purpose or public transportation authorities, tribal governments, federal land management agencies applying jointly with states, Amtrak in partnership, and groups of entities are eligible to apply, though applicant eligibility varies with each program and applicants are encouraged to review the Notice of Funding Opportunity for details.

Applications are due by Aug. 21 via Grants.gov. Additional resources are available online.