Department of Transportation (DOT) officials said $1 billion is available to the nation’s infrastructure upgrade effort.
Officials recently issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) via the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program.
“BUILD grants will upgrade infrastructure across America, making our transportation systems safer and more efficient,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The funds are designated for planning and capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure. They are to be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact.
BUILD funding can support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, or intermodal transportation.
DOT intends to award half of BUILD Transportation grant funding to projects located in rural areas as a means of better addressing needs in such communities. Awarding allotments to projects delivering positive benefits is consistent with the Department’s R.O.U.T.E.S. initiative.
The appropriations act stipulates for this round of BUILD Transportation grants, the maximum grant award is $25 million, while no more than $100 million can be awarded to a single state.
DOT officials said the agency is hosting a series of webinars during the FY 2020 BUILD grant application process, and a webinar regarding the manner to compete for BUILD Transportation Grants for all applicants will be held on Feb. 25, 2020.