U.S. DOT Announces $768 Million in New Grant Funding Opportunities

What happened: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) June 30 released details on two new discretionary grant programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA):

• The Railroad Crossing Elimination Program seeks to fund projects that will improve safety and eliminate traffic delays that occur at grade crossings. $573 million is available to state and local governments for projects that separate vehicle and train traffic.
• The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program has $195 million in eligible funds, including up to $145 million for capital construction grants. The program seeks to remove/reconstruct roads, railroads or other transportation facilities that are barriers to connecting communities.

Why it matters: Announcement of the funding opportunities demonstrates continued steps by the U.S. DOT to implement new programs in the IIJA. The grants awarded will support capital investments by state and local governments.

What’s next: Funding awards are slated to be announced this fall.