USDOT opens applications for $900M in infrastructure grants

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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced it is accepting applications through July 15 for a grant program.

The grants are through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program for fiscal year 2019.

The program awards funds for surface transportation infrastructure such as bridges, intermodal transportation, ports, rail, roads, and transit. A total of $900 million will be available and awarded on a competitive basis. Projects must have a significant impact locally or regionally.

Criteria that will be considered include economic competitiveness, innovation, partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders, quality of life, safety, and state of repair.

“These BUILD Transportation grants will provide needed infrastructure investment to better connect rural and urban communities around our nation,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said.

For this round of grants, the maximum grant award will be $25 million. No single state will receive more than $90 million.

Up to half of the funding will be awarded to rural areas. Priority will be given to projects that improve rural communities’ access to affordable, safe, and reliable transportation.

USDOT will hold a webinar series on grant application process between April 30 and May 14. The webinars will be recorded, but anyone who wants to watch them live must register.