Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 National Scenic Byways Program

FHWA is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 National Scenic Byways Program.NOTE: Please refer to the "Related documents" tab for the full text of the NOFO. The information below summarizes key facts for this opportunity, but it is incumbent on interested applicants to fully review the NOFO document and understand program and submission requirements.SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION: This grant opportunity will result in the award of up to $26.95 million of FY 2023 and FY 2024 funds in grants to States and federally recognized Tribes to implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads (collectively America's Byways), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways; and plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program. The purpose of the NSBP is to help recognize, preserve, and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, enacted on December 29, 2022, appropriated $20 million, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, enacted on March 8, 2024, appropriated an additional $7.5 million in Highway Infrastructure Program funds for the NSBP under 23 U.S.C. 162. Section 162 provides that grants and technical assistance be made available to State DOTs or Indian Tribes to (a) implement eligible projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads (collectively America's Byways), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways; and (b) plan, design, and develop a State or Indian Tribe scenic byway program. Eligible projects include access to recreation, byway facilities, construction, corridor management plans, highway improvements, interpretive information, marketing programs, resource protection, safety improvements, State and Indian Tribe scenic byway programs, and tourist information. Eligible projects are listed at 23 U.S.C. 162(c).AWARD SIZE: There is no minimum or maximum award size. FHWA anticipates awarding between 30-40 grants.COST SHARING: The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a project under this section shall be 80 percent, except that, in the case of any scenic byway project along a public road that provides access to or within Federal or Indian land, a Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA) may use funds authorized for use by the agency as the non-Federal share. The phrase 80 percent means up to 80 percent of total eligible project costs.APPLICATION SUBMISSION METHOD: Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by Monday, December 16, 2024 at 11:59PM (Eastern).NOFO INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR: FHWA plans to conduct outreach regarding the NSBP in the form of a virtual meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, (3:00pm-4:30pm Eastern Time). To register for the Webinar, go to https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_6XRaR5MiR1-WERecb4a3cwTo join the Webinar, follow the instructions sent to your email upon registering.