The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently awarded $905.25 million in Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grants to 24 projects in 18 states.
Rural projects received approximately 44 percent of the grants, exceeding by 19 percent the statutory requirements set by Congress.
The department received 157 eligible applications from 42 states and Guam that sought approximately $6.8 billion in funding, more than seven times the funding available.
Applications were evaluated on several criteria and were prioritized based on how they would address climate change, environmental justice, and racial equity; applied innovative technology; whether they could cost-effectively deliver projects; and how they would improve local economies and create jobs.
“These timely investments in our infrastructure will create jobs and support regional economies while helping to spur innovation, confront climate change, and address inequities across the country,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
Grant awardees include the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, which received $49 million for its Southport Berth Development and Port Expansion project. The project will construct an approximately 1,056 linear foot multi-use berth that will accommodate roll-on/roll-off vessels.
The Georgia Ports Authority received the second-largest grant of $46.9 million for its Northeast Georgia Inland Port project. The project includes constructing a container port along the I-85/I-985 corridor in an unincorporated area of Gainesville.