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 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:
- Providing letters of support indicating that proposed activities are consistent with the region's long range transportation plan, Plan 2050
- Providing data on regional travel or directing applicants to appropriate data sources
- Providing information on related or complementary activities in the region
- Providing assistance on strategies to address planning issues, conduct outreach and assess equity and environmental impacts.
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
Please check our calendar for information about upcoming webinars. If a grant no longer appears on the below list, the deadline to apply has passed. However, you can still find information about the various programs under the Resources and Links section.
Dec. 1, 2022: FY 2023 RAISE Grant Funding Opportunity Released. USDOT has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program with a deadline of
February 28, 2023. Grants can be used to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. USDOT intends to update this Notice of Funding Opportunity on or before December 14, 2022 with complete program requirements and application information. The RAISE program has previously been called the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) programs. Additional information is available in the RAISE section below.
Dec. 6, 2022 (deadline): Thriving Communities Technical Assistance for IIJA Grants Available — The Thriving Communities program will provide technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to support communities in applying for and using IIJA grants. The program is focused on supporting under-resourced and disadvantaged urban, rural, and Tribal communities. A Letter of Intent (LOI) to receive technical assistance must be submitted by December 6
as discussed here. This program is a $30 million collaboration between the federal Department of Transportation and Department of Housing and Urban Development.
October 13: Action Plan to Accelerate Infrastructure — The White House
released a fact sheet in conjunction with its
Accelerating Infrastructure Summit to focus attention on, and fast-track, innovation in the delivery of infrastructure investments in America. The plan complements the
Permitting Action Plan released in May 2022 by focusing on new approaches and expanding successful efforts to accelerate project planning, design, procurement and construction.
October 13: Public Involvement Guide — The USDOT released the guide for funding recipients and partners that conduct public involvement in transportation. It provides promising practices and concrete examples of what constitutes meaningful public involvement to help address the barriers to inclusion in transportation decision-making. It follows through on a commitment in the Department's Equity Action Plan. More information about the guide and planned training is on this
website.
August 23: USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have updated its
matrix of competitive grant programs. The matrix 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.
May 19: Technical Assistance Guide for Infrastructure Resources — The White House released a technical assistance guide to help state and local governments navigate, access, and deploy infrastructure resources in the IIJA. It identifies over $700 million in dedicated funding across more than 65 technical assistance programs. The
announcement of the Guide includes links to non-governmental resources and assistance including:
Local Infrastructure Hub;
Accelerator for America and
Climate Jobs National Resource Center.
April 22: Summary of Federal Funding for EV Charging Infrastructure — This 16-page publication summarizes the various federal programs that fund and support expansion of electric vehicle charging, focusing on the National Highway System.
April 21: Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) — This new program provides $6.4 billion in formula funding for states and localities over five years. It will fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources — from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors, to facilitating micro-mobility and biking. Under the CRP, states must also develop carbon reduction strategies in consultation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
March 30: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Guidance — FHWA has issued a memorandum providing background information and guidance to clarify eligibility, transfer, and other program requirements. The program funds many smaller-scale but critically important multimodal transportation projects at both the State and local level including pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments, among others. It is a key program for helping states build complete streets.
Resources and links
Reconnecting Communities
- The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program aims to help reconnect communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure. Funding supports planning grants and capital construction grants, as well as technical assistance, to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities. Additional information is available in the NOFO. The deadline to apply for FY 2022 funding was October 13.
- On September 9, USDOT posted information about non-federal match requirements for the Reconnecting Communities Program. The new webpage includes general information about program grants, federal assistance, match requirements, eligible funding sources for the non-federal match requirement, and examples of eligible and ineligible expenses under the program.
Safe Streets and Roads Grants
The
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant program was created under IIJA to support local and regional efforts to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. It will provide about $5 billion in competitive grants over five years. The deadline to apply for FY2022 grants was September 15, 2022. Award announcements are expected to be made by the end of calendar year 2022 or early 2023.
Eligible activities include developing a comprehensive safety action plan; planning, design, and development in support of an Action Plan; and implementing safety projects and strategies. On August 1, an
amendment was issued "clarifying the instructions for making data calculations necessary for the Action Plan and Implementation Grant applications."
For details, more information, and applicant guidance:
RAISE Grant
The
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program can be used to
invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. The RAISE program has previously been called the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) programs.
- FY 2023 RAISE Grant Funding Opportunity Released. USDOT released a NOFO on December 1, 2022. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2023. Grants can be used to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. USDOT intends to update this NOFO on or before December 14, 2022 with complete program requirements and application information.
- IIJA specifies that the minimum RAISE grant award is $5 million, except that for projects located in rural areas, the minimum award size is $1 million. Grants may not be greater than $25 million. However these minimums don't apply to additional funds added to the program — see amendments.
- Recordings of RAISE grant webinars — These recordings delve into various aspects of the RAISE application process. These webinars are a resource for prospective RAISE applicants, as the webinars come from the funding source and share the guidance of USDOT.
Multimodal Project Grant (MPDG)
- The Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant combines three major discretionary grant programs — two new programs created under IIJA and one pre-existing program that was reauthorized. Additional information is available in the Notice of Funding Oportunity. The deadline to apply for FY 2022 funding was May 23, 2022.
- The programs are:
- Mega: $1 billion of FY 2022 funding for the National Infrastructure Project Assistance grants program, known as the Mega Grants program;
- INFRA: Approximately $1.55 billion in FY 2022 funding to be made available for the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects grants program, known as INFRA;
- Rural: $300 million in FY 2022 funding for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program, known as Rural.
- While they remain separate programs for the purposes of award, the programs share many common characteristics, including a larger project size, multimodal eligibility, and many shared statutory project requirements, according to the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. For additional information visit the FAQ page.
- Webinar Recordings — These informational webinars cover how to apply for MEGA, INFRA and Rural grants.
Other Grant Programs
- September 19: Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovative Mobility Deployment (ATTIMD) Program — The deadline to apply for this NOFO was November 18. ATTIMD provides grants to state and local governments and others to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment. This program, also known as Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovation (ATTAIN), includes technologies for improving transportation access; emergency evacuation and response; connected vehicle safety systems; advanced parking reservation or variable pricing systems; integrated corridor management; and more. An information webinar is planned.
- September 16: Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Info — The deadline to apply to this NOFO was November 18. The SMART Grants Program funds purpose-driven innovation to build data and technology capacity and expertise for State, local, and Tribal governments. Communities should target their real-world challenges where the use of new technologies and approaches can create benefits.
- August 2: PROTECT Formula Program — Under this program, $7.3 billion is being allocated by formula to states — with New Jersey slated to receive $176 million — over five years to make transportation infrastructure more resilient to future weather events and other natural disasters by focusing on resilience planning, making resilience improvements to existing transportation assets and evacuation routes, and addressing at-risk highway infrastructure. States are encouraged to work with regional and local partner organizations to prioritize transportation and emergency response improvements, as well as address vulnerabilities. A fact sheet is here.
- July 8: Ferry Programs — The Federal Transit Administration issued a Notice of Funding Opportunities for three Ferry grant programs — the Passenger Ferry Grant Program; the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program; and the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Programs. Applications were due September 6. Informational webinars were held on July 27 2:30PM EDT and July 28 (focusing on new services) 2:30 p.m.
- June 30: Railroad Crossing Elimination Program — A NOFO for this program has been released. It makes available $573 million in grant funding in FY 2022. The program funds projects that create grade separations — such as overpasses and underpasses — as well as closures, track relocations, and improvement or installation of warning devices at crossings if related to a separation or relocation project. Planning, environmental review, and other preliminary design elements are also eligible for grant funding. The deadline to apply was October 4.
- June 10: Bridge Investment Program — This NOFO is to solicit applications for three categories of Bridge Investment Program (BIP) funding: (1) Planning; (2) Bridge Projects (projects with eligible costs less than $100 million); and (3) Large Bridge Projects (projects with eligible costs greater than $100 million). Eligible applicants may submit applications for any of the three funding categories, but each category has distinct eligibility and selection criteria and application deadlines. The deadline for 2022 planning applications was July 25; large bridge projects, August 9; and bridge projects, September 8.
- May 26: Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning — USDOT announced the availability of approximately $13 million in competitive grant funds through the Federal Transit Administration for this program. TOD looks at the relationship among transit, housing and land use. This program was originally established in 2014 and has provided grants annually. The deadline to apply was July 25.
- March 7: Grants to Modernize Bus Fleets and Facilities — The White House and USDOT announced the availability of approximately $1.47 billion in competitive grant funds to help modernize bus fleets and facilities across the country,
- February 23: Port Grants Announcement — The USDOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced nearly $450 million in newly available grant funding for port-related projects through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). These grants can help ports expand capacity and improve the movement of goods through supply chains.
- February 10: EV Charging network announcement — The program will provide nearly $5 billion over five years to help states create a network of EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, particularly along the Interstate Highway System. A second program later this year will fund EV infrastructure in broader areas.
Federal Guidance
- DOT Navigator - A website to help communities understand the best ways to apply for grants, and to plan for and deliver transformative infrastructure projects and services.
- Thriving Communities Initiative (under development) - US DOT is soliciting input for this program which will provide technical assistance and capacity building resources to improve and foster thriving communities through transportation improvements. Thriving Communities is key component of USDOT’s Equity Action Plan
- Technical Assistance Guide for Infrastructure Resources — The White House released a technical assistance guide to help state and local governments navigate, access, and deploy infrastructure resources in the IIJA. It identifies over $700 million in dedicated funding across more than 65 technical assistance programs.
- The White House has released a Fact Sheet (pdf), highlighting 25 funding opportunities for local governments.
- It has also issued a 465-page Guidebook (pdf) for state and local leaders. The guidebook contains information on upcoming transportation programs, as well as energy, environment, broadband, solid waste management, recycling, and other programs. In many places, the guidebook provides more detail on schedule, funding, etc. than the fact sheet
- 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.
- Upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcements in 2022 - USDOT's list of anticipated dates for Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for key programs
Federal Agency Websites
- White House Build.Gov — The administration's main site on the law and resources. The guidebook to the law will be updated and posted to this site as the law is implemented.
- FHWA webpage on the law — The site provides a "one-stop shop" for Federal Highway Administration's implementation of the Act, including everything from fact sheets and funding notices to guidance, regulations, and presentations
- FTA webpage on the law — The site covers the Federal Transit Administration's implementation of the Act which authorizes up to $108 billion for public transportation – the largest federal investment in public transportation in the nation’s history.
Other Info/Resources/Links
- IIJA Progress in New Jersey - While House fact sheet issued July 2022
- NJ TransAction Presentation — Opportunities Abound: The IIJA and the Future of Transportation Investment, April 26, 2022
- NARC Summary — The National Association of Regional Councils has prepared a summary of the law's provisions.
- NARC Presentation on IIJA - Article and link to presentation made by Erich Zimmermann, Deputy Director and Transportation Director of the National Association of Regional Councils at the annual meeting of the Metropolitan Area Planning (MAP) Forum on December 3
- White House fact sheet on benefits to New Jersey
- Recordings of past USDOT webinars about IIJA are posted on this YouTube channel.
- FHWA New Jersey Administrator Robert Clark's presentation to the NJTPA Board on March 14, 2022.
- FHWA Issues Report to Congress on Complete Streets. This report provides an overview of current highway safety trends, and then provides a summary of FHWA activities that support complete streets projects. It discusses "opportunities and challenges as FHWA moves ahead with its effort to implement a Complete Streets design model."