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Funding Resources/Updates

This page provides updates and resources related to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) — also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) — signed into law on November 15, 2021.  The law expires on September 30, 2026 and must be reauthorized by Congress by that date.

The NJTPA has a central role in ensuring that North Jersey can take full advantage of the funding and programs in the Act. In particular, the Act provides much needed funding to repair and improve road, rail and bridge infrastructure in the region. To be eligible for this funding, all projects will have to be approved by the NJTPA Board for inclusion in the region's Transportation Improvement Program or TIP.

The Act also offers a host of funding opportunities for local governments to improve mobility for residents which can bolster local economies and quality of life (see resources below). As the region's Metropolitan Planning Organization, the NJTPA can assist in coordinating and helping with grant applications and submissions, including:

The NJTPA urges local governments or other organizations to contact the NJTPA and keep us informed regarding proposed applications for IIJA funding. This will ensure all concerned parties throughout the region can support and coordinate activities and realize the greatest benefits for the region's residents. 

Register to apply for Federal grants — A SAM registration is required for any entity to bid on and get paid for federal contracts or to receive federal funds. These include for-profit businesses, nonprofits, government contractors, government subcontractors, state governments, and local municipalities. Guidance and information on grants is at Grants.gov

Latest Developments

Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Program — The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of $1.5 billion under the FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Program. Applications are due by July 14. Approximately $398 million in funding is authorized under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.

FTA hosted a public webinar on June 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to provide information to potential applicants, including an overview of program eligibility, evaluation criteria, selection considerations, and the submission process. Register here.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program — The USDOT has announced the FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the SS4A program. The application deadline is June 26 at 5 p.m. (EDT). Applications are submitted via Valid Eval. USDOT is hosting webinars on the NOFO; details are on the SS4A Webinar Series page. Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), this program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Over $982 million is available, with a similar amount expected next year. 

The SS4A program offers two grant types :

  • Planning and Demonstration Grants: For developing Action Plans and related activities.
  • Implementation Grants: For implementing strategies aligned with existing Action Plans. 
A series of webinars was held: April 15 (for Implementation Grants), April 17 (for Action Plans) and April 23 (for Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Projects).  Info and registration.


Resources and Links

Webinar Recordings: Identifying Discretionary Grant Opportunities — This May 22, 2023 webinar showcased the USDOT Discretionary Grants Dashboard, a tool that makes it easier to search for and find grant opportunities depending on the type of project you have, your organization type, and other considerations like match requirements.  It was a follow-up to a February 8 webinar featured staff from across the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) highlighting several resources created to help potential grant applicants to navigate different funding opportunities.

Matrix of competitive grant programs — USDOT and FHWA continue to update this matrix which illustrates grant programs broadly, organized by applicant type, and lists grant programs (rows) which can be matched with the potential applicant (column) the program can fund.

Federal Program Inventory — The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has developed a Federal Program Inventory (FPI) that includes information about the more than 2,300 Federal financial assistance programs. The FPI allows users to search by category, agency, assistance type and eligible applicants.

What is the purpose of the update?

This program has become part of a consolidated: Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program.
 

This program focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and foster equitable development and restoration, and provide technical assistance to further these goals. Funding for this fiscal year is a combined allocation of FY 2024, 2025, and 2026. Up to $607 million is available for planning, capital construction, and technical assistance. The funding will be implemented as appropriate and consistent with the priorities in Executive Order 14052. 

The following relates to past funding announcements:
 
  • September 30, 2024 (deadline)  — Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program — USDOT announced a NOFO for the third round of this program, making more than $600 million available for Fiscal Years 2024-26. The program seeks to help revitalize and reconnect communities cut off from opportunity by past transportation infrastructure decisions, such as highways bisecting communities. The funding is available in two categories: capital construction and community planning to support future construction. A general application webinar was held July 9 and a merit criteria webinar is planned for July 23. All of the webinars can be accessed here. The deadline for applications is September 30. View the tab below for additional information about this program.

  • September 28, 2023 - USDOT announced a joint NOFO for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot and Neighborhood Access and Equity programs, which will combine two major discretionary grants into one NOFO. The application deadline was September 28, 2023.  Together, this combined program will be known as the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program.  Many projects may be eligible and considered for both component grant programs using a single application. Among the shared goals of the two component programs are: reconnecting communities by addressing transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity; fostering equitable development and restoration; improving access to jobs, education and other destinations; and prioritizing disadvantaged communities. Webinar recordings are available here

What has been done so far and what's next?
How does the NJTPA prioritize projects in the TIP?
What revisions are being considered?
How can I provide feedback?