Timber for Transit Program

The Timber for Transit Program is administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and supports the integration of advanced wood-based materials into transportation infrastructure across the NBRC’s four-state service area, which includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. The initiative is designed to promote the use of domestic forest products such as glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, and composite materials, with a particular focus on enhancing climate resilience in rural communities. The program aligns closely with regional and state economic development priorities and seeks to elevate the role of wood products in contemporary transportation design and implementation. In 2026, the Timber for Transit program is offering two competitive funding rounds, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring round requires pre-applications to be submitted by February 27, 2026, with full applications due by April 17, 2026. Only applicants who have been invited based on their pre-application review may submit a full application. This two-step process ensures that only eligible and high-priority proposals advance. Pre-applications help determine maximum award eligibility and are jointly assessed by the NBRC and participating states. Awards for the spring round are expected to be announced in June. A second round in the fall will follow a similar timeline, with pre-applications due August 18 and full applications due October 16. The program funds both feasibility and implementation projects that showcase the capabilities of wood in transportation contexts. Feasibility projects can receive up to $1 million and include activities such as engineering designs, environmental assessments, and planning studies. Implementation awards, which may reach up to $5 million, are intended for the construction or execution of projects such as bridges, rail structures, waterfront transport facilities, and transportation-adjacent infrastructure like rest areas or ferry terminals. Projects that seek more than $1 million must meet enhanced criteria, such as demonstrating alignment with multiple program priorities, addressing time-sensitive regional challenges, or spanning multiple communities or states. Preference is given to proposals that prioritize domestically sourced timber, incorporate extreme weather readiness strategies, support university and industry training, and integrate marketing or public engagement. Additionally, projects should aim to benefit communities facing socioeconomic distress. All eligible activities must occur within the NBRC service area. Applicants must be state or local governments, non-profits with 501(c) status operating within the region, Indian Tribes recognized by the federal government, or similar political subdivisions. For-profit entities and non-qualified nonprofits are ineligible to apply. Each application must be submitted through NBRC’s online portal, and adherence to submission procedures detailed in the 2026 Timber for Transit Program Manual is mandatory. The NBRC and states jointly evaluate applications based on scoring criteria outlined in the manual. Funding is contingent on the availability of resources, and up to $14 million has been allocated for the 2026 cycle, with the possibility of additional funds depending on the federal appropriations process. Match requirements vary by location and are calculated based on NBRC’s annual economic distress assessments. Contact for the program is Marina Caceres (Bowie), the NBRC Timber for Transit Program Manager, available at [email protected] or 603.724.5802. Additional resources, including the user manual and guidance documents, are available on the NBRC website.