FY 2026 National Infrastructure Investments

The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Office of the Secretary. Established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and continued through successive transportation funding legislation, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the BUILD program is part of the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program under National Infrastructure Investments, codified at 49 U.S.C. 6702. For fiscal year 2026, the BUILD program is funded with $1.5 billion appropriated under the IIJA. The BUILD program aims to support surface transportation infrastructure projects that have significant local or regional impact. The program is highly competitive and prioritizes projects that enhance safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness (including tourism), state of good repair, and innovation. Eligible project types include highway and bridge projects, public transportation, freight and passenger rail, port infrastructure (including inland ports and land ports of entry), components of eligible airport projects, transportation infrastructure on Tribal lands, culvert replacement for aquatic species habitat, and intermodal projects with eligible surface transportation components. Eligible applicants include states, territories, the District of Columbia, local governments, transit agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes or consortia, public agencies or authorities established by one or more states, special purpose districts with a transportation function, and multijurisdictional groups of eligible entities. Federal agencies, nonprofits, private entities, and individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants may submit joint proposals but must designate a lead entity. Planning grants have no minimum funding threshold, while rural capital projects must request at least $1 million and urban capital projects at least $5 million. The maximum award is $25 million per project. Federal cost share is capped at 80%, except for projects located in rural areas, areas of persistent poverty, or historically disadvantaged communities, which may be eligible for up to 100% federal funding. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov or the BUILD program website by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on February 24, 2026. Only online submissions will be accepted. Each applicant must have an active registration in SAM.gov and include a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the application. The DOT will evaluate proposals based on criteria mandated by statute, including project readiness and cost-effectiveness. Selected projects are expected to be announced by June 28, 2026. The program mandates a range of funding distribution restrictions, including that no more than 15% of the total funding may be awarded to projects in a single state, a minimum of 5% must go to planning projects, and at least 1% to projects located in areas of persistent poverty or historically disadvantaged communities. A maximum of 50% of funds may be used for rural or urban projects, respectively. For inquiries or technical assistance, applicants may contact the DOT at BUILDgrants@dot.gov. Full application instructions, updates, and resources will be posted on the BUILD website. The Department has indicated that it will amend this NOFO to provide additional details on the application process.

Emphasize readiness, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with DOT evaluation criteria; FY25 awards show high competitiveness;