AASHTO Journal - USDOT Beefs Up Build America Bureau Grant Funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation said its Build America Bureau plans to add $24 million in grants to its Regional Infrastructure Accelerators or RIA program, bringing the total available for investment in RIA projects to $34 million.

[Above photo by the USDOT]

The Bureau issued a notice of funding opportunity to solicit applications for grants that serve defined geographic areas, provide technical resources, and fund planning and development activities to expedite delivery of transportation infrastructure projects at the local and regional levels.

“[We are] pleased to offer more grant funding for communities across the nation to move their transportation projects forward, connecting people to opportunities,” said USDOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg in a statement.

“These funds help regions better compete for discretionary grants through implementation of innovative solutions and potentially seek financing to accelerate delivery of those solutions,” she added.

Established as a “one-stop-shop” for federal loans during President Obama’s administration, the Bureau seeks to help states and other sponsors fund a range of infrastructure projects – offering low-interest, long-term credit programs, technical assistance, and best practices in project planning, financing, delivery, and operation.

The Bureau previously awarded $10 million to 10 different “accelerators” – which serve an essential project development role that can focus resources, funding, and expertise to expedite planning, development, and delivery at both the local and regional level – across the country in January 2022.

“The 10 current accelerators across the country have created capacity at local levels to explore effective and efficient solutions that are moving their critical infrastructure projects forward,” noted Build America Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “We are looking for more regions to build on the success of this program and develop a network of accelerators that can share best practices and take advantage of innovative delivery strategies,” he said.