Transportation Grants

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $49 million in competitive grants under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program (ELEF) (Federal Assistance Listing #20.532). ELEF makes funding available competitively to assist in the financing of capital projects for the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems and related charging infrastructure to reduce emissions or produce zero onboard emissions under normal operation.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $216 million in competitive grants under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program (FSRC) (Federal Assistance Listing #20.532). FSRC makes funding available competitively to assist in the financing of capital, planning, and operating assistance for eligible ferry services. This is a joint Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and announces the availability of FY 2024 funding for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program (Passenger Ferry Program), Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program (LowNo Ferry Program), and Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program (Rural Ferry Program). All programs can be found under Federal Assistance Listing: 20.532. Federal public transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5307(h)) authorizes FTA to award grants for passenger ferries through a competitive process. The Passenger Ferry Program provides funding to designated recipients and direct recipients under FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Program, as well as public entities engaged in providing public transportation passenger ferry service in urban areas that are eligible to be direct recipients. Projects funded under the program will improve the condition and quality of existing passenger ferry services, support the establishment of new passenger ferry services, and repair and modernize ferry boats, terminals, and related facilities and equipment. Section 71102 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also called the ‘‘Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’’ or ‘‘BIL’’) (Pub. L. 117–58) authorizes FTA to award grants for electric or lowemitting ferries through a competitive process, as described in this notice. The Low-No Ferry Program is available to any eligible designated or direct recipient of FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Program or Formula Grants for Rural Areas funding, including States (including territories and Washington, DC), local governmental authorities, and tribal governments. Grants will be awarded under this program for the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferries, the electrification of or other reduction of emissions from existing ferries, and related charging or other fueling infrastructure (for which the applicants will maintain satisfactory continuing control) to reduce emissions or produce zero onboard emissions under normal operation. Section 71103 of the BIL authorizes FTA to award grants for the Rural Ferry Program through a competitive process, as described in this notice. The Rural Ferry Program provides funding for capital, operating, and planning expenses to States and territories for ferry service to rural areas. Applicants to this program are required to have operated ferry public transportation service on a regular schedule at any time during the five-year period from March 1, 2015, to March 1, 2020, and operated at least one route segment of more than 50 sailing (nautical) miles between two rural areas. The Department seeks to fund projects that advance the Departmental priorities of safety, equity, climate and sustainability, workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation as described in the USDOT Strategic Plan, Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan, and in executive orders.1

NOTE: Please refer to the "Related Documents" tab for the full text of the NOFO. FHWA highly recommends interested applicants "Subscribe" to this opportunity to allow Grants.gov to send notifications to those parties concerning changes or updates to this NOFO. NOFO Amendment 1 Summary (Posted 4/25/2024): The purpose of this amendment is to provide the link and updated date and time information for this NOFO's Informational Webinar. The webinar will be held on 5/2/2024 from 2:00PM - 3:00PM (Eastern), and can be accessed via the following link: https://usdot.zoomgov.com/j/1612256897?pwd=bGZmMHJEU2dUTWFIeFkzTG5LQmRMdz09 [END OF AMENDMENT 1 SUMMARY] Original NOFO Synopsis Summary (Posted 4/17/2024): The purpose of this NOFO is to solicit applications for the Highway Construction Training Program (HCTP) to award highway construction workforce development grants. The NOFO will result in the distribution of up to $4,226,871. The purposes of the HCTP as described in 23 U.S.C. 504(f) are to: 1) Develop, test, and review new curricula and education programs to train individuals at all levels of the transportation workforce; and 2) To implement the new curricula and education programs to provide for hands-on career opportunities to meet current and future needs. As further described in 23 U.S.C. 504(f)(2), in making grants, FHWA may consider the extent to which the project will: A) Develop new curricula or education program to meet the specific current or future needs of a segment of the transportation industry, States, or regions. B) Provide for practical experience and on-the-job training. C) Be oriented toward practitioners in the field rather than the support and growth of the research community. D) Provide for new curricula or programs that will provide training in areas other than engineering, such grants as business administration, economics, information technology, environmental science, and law. E) Provide programs or curricula that train professionals for work in the transportation field, such as construction materials, information technology, environmental science, urban planning, and industrial or emerging technology. F) Demonstrate the commitment of industry or a State DOT to the program.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $51 million in competitive grants under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Passenger Ferry Grant Program (PFG) (Federal Assistance Listing #20.532). Of that amount, $5 million is available only for low or zero-emission ferries or ferries using electric battery or fuel cell components and the infrastructure to support such ferries. As required by Federal public transportation law, funds will be awarded competitively to designated recipients or eligible direct recipients of Urbanized Area Formula funds to support capital projects to improve existing passenger ferry service, establish new ferry service, and repair and modernize ferry boats, terminals, and related facilities and equipment.

The Maine Charity Foundation Fund aims to support charitable and educational purposes across Maine, with an emphasis on transportation services for individuals with limited access. The grant prioritizes projects that use volunteers, engage community partners, address service gaps, and focus on equity and diversity. Criteria for eligibility are set by the Maine Community Foundation and reviewed annually. The foundation offers general support grants for ongoing needs and project grants for new programs. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) is one of four grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMAs focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the nations critical infrastructure against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks. The TSGP provides funds to transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. For FY 2024, DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration to building a national culture of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other threats to our national security. DHS and its homeland security mission were born from the failures among federal agencies and between the federal agencies and state and local authorities to share critical information related to the threat of terrorism prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks. The threat profile has changed in the last two decades we now face continuous cyber threats by sophisticated actors, threats to soft targets and crowded places, threats to our democratic election process and threats from new and emerging technologies. That said, information sharing and cooperation between state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities, and federal agencies, including all DHS officials, is just as vital, and perhaps even more vital, today. Therefore, for FY 2024, we have identified two priority areas, related to some of the most serious threats that Amtrak should address with IPR funds. These two priorities areas include enhancing cybersecurity and enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places. DHS also will continue to forge partnerships to strengthen information sharing and collaboration in each of these priority areas. Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation: Communities Taking Charge Accelerator, Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Opportunity AnnouncementThis Funding Opportunity Announcement aims to help everyone ride and drive electric, foster public and private relationships, build interdisciplinary teams, advance the American blueprint for transportation decarbonization, and promote managed charging. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), through the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – Joint Office of Energy and Transportation: Communities Taking Charge Accelerator, Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Opportunity Announcement”. Awards made under this FOA will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act1, more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL is a once-in-a-generation investment in modernizing and upgrading American infrastructure to enhance U.S. competitiveness, driving the creation of good-paying union jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and securing environmental justice and economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities2. The BIL appropriates more than $62 billion to the Department of Energy (DOE)3 to invest in American manufacturing and workers; expand access to energy efficiency and clean energy; deliver reliable, clean, and affordable power to more Americans; and demonstrate and deploy the clean-energy technologies of tomorrow through clean energy demonstrations. DOE’s BIL investments will support efforts to build a clean and equitable energy economy that achieves a zero-carbon electricity system by 2035, and to put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 20504 to benefit all Americans. The BIL includes a historic $7.5 billion dedicated investment to build out a national network of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers. As part of this investment, the BIL includes $300 million to establish a Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to study, plan, coordinate, and implement issues of joint concern between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The Communities Taking Charge Accelerator FOA and related activities align with the Joint Office mission to provide a modernized and interagency approach to support the deployment of zeroemission, convenient, accessible, and equitable transportation infrastructure. The activities to be funded under this FOA support BIL section Title VIII, Division J, Federal Highway Administration - Highway Infrastructure Program.

The Community Impact Grant (CIG) Program for Fiscal Year 2024, offered by the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County (RDA), is designed to support community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Prince George’s County. This program aligns with the RDA's broader mission to revitalize and enhance communities and the quality of life within the county. By providing grants for small innovative capital projects, the RDA aims to foster significant, tangible improvements at the neighborhood level, thereby directly contributing to its strategic priorities of community development and well-being. The target beneficiaries of the CIG Program are civic/neighborhood associations and community-based 501(c)(3) organizations located within Prince George’s County and in good standing with the State of Maryland. The program's impact goals are centered on revitalizing and enhancing communities through specific capital projects. These projects are expected to lead to measurable improvements in the local environment, public spaces, and commercial areas, ultimately benefiting the residents by creating more vibrant, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings. The program prioritizes projects within two main categories: Neighborhood Beautification and Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability. Under Neighborhood Beautification, the focus areas include streetscape improvements, street furniture, pedestrian enhancements, recreational improvements, signage, banners, way-finding systems, commercial façade improvements, internal/external improvements to public-use commercial buildings, and permanent public art installations. For Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability, the focus is on the restoration of parks, streams, and open space, urban agriculture, replenishment of tree canopy, green roofs, low impact development, storm water management, and the preservation of historic landmarks, structures, and sites. Expected outcomes include visible improvements in neighborhood aesthetics, increased accessibility and usability of public spaces, enhanced environmental quality, and the preservation of historical assets. Measurable results could include the number of new public art installations, miles of enhanced streetscapes, acres of restored green space, or the number of commercial facades improved. The RDA's theory of change posits that by investing in these specific capital projects through community organizations, they can empower local groups to directly address community needs, leading to sustainable improvements in infrastructure, environment, and overall quality of life, which in turn reinforces the strategic goal of comprehensive community redevelopment. The grant performance period is one year from the date of execution of a CIG Grant Agreement.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) is one of four grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the nations critical infrastructure against potential terrorist attacks. The IBSGP provides funds to intercity bus companies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the travelling public from acts of terrorism. For FY 2024, DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration to building a national culture of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other threats to our national security. DHS and its homeland security mission were born from the failures among federal agencies and between the federal agencies and state and local authorities to share critical information related to the threat of terrorism prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks. The threat profile has changed in the last two decades we now face continuous cyber threats by sophisticated actors, threats to soft targets and crowded places, threats to our democratic election process and threats from new and emerging technologies. That said, information sharing and cooperation between state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities, and federal agencies, including all DHS officials, is just as vital, and perhaps even more vital, today. Therefore, for FY 2024, we have identified two priority areas, related to some of the most serious threats that Amtrak should address with IPR funds. These two priorities areas include enhancing cybersecurity and enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places. DHS also will continue to forge partnerships to strengthen information sharing and collaboration in each of these priority areas. Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) Amtrak program is one of four grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMAs focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the Nations critical infrastructure against potential terrorist attacks. The IPR provides funds to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. For FY 2024, DHS is focused on the criticality of information sharing and collaboration to building a national culture of preparedness and protecting against terrorism and other threats to our national security. DHS and its homeland security mission were born from the failures among federal agencies and between the federal agencies and state and local authorities to share critical information related to the threat of terrorism prior to the September 11, 2001, attacks. The threat profile has changed in the last two decades we now face continuous cyber threats by sophisticated actors, threats to soft targets and crowded places, threats to our democratic election process and threats from new and emerging technologies. That said, information sharing and cooperation between state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities, and federal agencies, including all DHS officials, is just as vital, and perhaps even more vital, today. Therefore, for FY 2024, we have identified two priority areas, related to some of the most serious threats that Amtrak should address with IPR funds. These two priorities areas include enhancing cybersecurity and enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places. DHS also will continue to forge partnerships to strengthen information sharing and collaboration in each of these priority areas. Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/.

The FY 2025-2026 MPDG program, under the Department of Transportation’s Office of the Secretary, offers three separate grant programs: the National Infrastructure Project Assistance grants program (Mega), the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects grants program (INFRA), and the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program (Rural). This opportunity collectively allocates approximately $5.1 billion in funding to support significant surface transportation infrastructure projects, such as highway and bridge improvements, railway-highway grade crossing enhancements, wildlife crossings, public transportation advancements, and more. The MPDG aims to fund projects that demonstrate substantial national or regional impacts or address critical needs in rural transportation infrastructure. The application deadline is set for May 6, 2024.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers additional Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program categories to conserve natural areas, critical habitat, riparian corridors, and urban wildlife habitat, and to restore and enhance state lands. The program aims to secure habitat before it is lost and to support restoration where needed. Funding parameters vary by category. Riparian Protection requires a minimum request of 25,000 dollars with no cap. State Lands Restoration and Enhancement requires a minimum of 25,000 dollars and allows up to 1,000,000 dollars for a single site and 500,000 dollars for multi site projects. Urban Wildlife Habitat, Critical Habitat, and Natural Areas follow category rules as published. Eligible work includes land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and associated incidental costs, development of low impact facilities such as paths, viewing shelters, restrooms, and interpretive elements, and restoration activities such as ecological restoration, shoreline work, fish passage improvements, and native plantings. Some categories allow habitat creation and site stewardship planning. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit nature conservancies, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies, as defined per category. Projects are expected to deliver durable conservation outcomes and public benefit consistent with category requirements. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to acquire recreation and habitat lands and to develop recreation areas for the state’s growing population. The program supports local and state parks, trails, water access, and restoration on state lands to enhance public outdoor recreation. Funding is available across categories such as Local Parks acquisition and development, State Lands development and renovation, and Water Access and Trails in accordance with program rules. Typical projects include buying land for parks, developing athletic complexes, renovating community parks, building regional trails and waterfront facilities, and developing state lands. Local Parks awards may reach 1,000,000 dollars for acquisition or combination projects, with up to 500,000 dollars for development costs, and 500,000 dollars for development only. State Lands development and renovation awards range from 25,000 to 325,000 dollars. Eligible applicants vary by category and include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies as specified in the program guidance. Eligible costs include land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and a wide range of development features such as buildings, campgrounds, play areas, restrooms, roads and paths, and interpretive elements, subject to category rules. Applications are submitted through the state’s process by May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Proposals are assessed for alignment with category requirements and public benefit. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is offering grant applications to nonprofit organizations with a primary focus on early childhood. These grants are specifically designed to support the growth of creative and efficient services for at-risk children under six years old in Duval County. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, is to invest in early learning centers and provide support for parents as caregivers, aligning with a broader strategic priority to foster a nurturing environment for the region's youngest and most vulnerable population. The target beneficiaries of this program are at-risk children under six years old in Duval County. The grants aim to create a significant impact by improving the quality of early childhood education and care. This includes strengthening early learning centers and empowering parents with the resources and knowledge needed to effectively care for their children. The expected outcomes include enhanced developmental milestones for young children and increased parental engagement in their children's early learning journey. The grant program prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate innovative and effective approaches to early childhood development. A key focus is on interventions that lead to measurable results, such as improved school readiness, reduced instances of developmental delays, and increased family stability. The foundation seeks to support programs that have a clear theory of change, demonstrating how their activities will lead to the desired positive outcomes for children and families. Eligibility for these grants is restricted to nonprofit organizations with current 501(c)(3) status, a two-year work history, and an annual operating budget of $100,000 or above. Applicants must be located in and serving Duval County. The grant size is up to $15,000, with a grant period from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. Ineligible applicants include athletic associations, fundraising event sponsorships, school-based organizations (PTAs, boosters, etc.), requests outside Duval County, and programs promoting religious beliefs.

The Transportation Alternative and Recreational Use FY25 Grant, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, aims to fund transportation alternative and recreational use projects within the state. This federal grant offers 80% reimbursable funds, requiring a 20% match from project sponsors. Projects should enhance the intermodal transportation system or support recreational trails and amenities. Approximately 60% of the funds are allocated to projects within the jurisdictions of three Maryland Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, National Capitol Region Transportation Planning Board, and Wilmington Area Planning Council. Eligible sponsors include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource and public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and 501c(3) non-profit agencies. Project sponsors are responsible for all aspects of their project, including design, management, construction, and maintenance.

The 2024 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), announced by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), seeks applications for grants to target federal resources toward communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. With a focus on economically distressed counties and parishes, SEDAP aims to invest in community-based and regional projects across four congressionally mandated funding categories: basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The program is designed to encourage job creation, regional collaboration, and funding partnerships, leveraging a total of $16,930,642, allocated across the eight-state DRA region with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project type and application score.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Rhode Island community agencies that deliver essential emergency assistance, such as food, housing, and transportation, to individuals and families in urgent need.

The Loudoun County COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Program seeks grant applications from community organizations to ensure greater equity and access to the COVID-19 vaccine for populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This program aligns with the broader mission of public health and community well-being by addressing disparities in vaccine access and promoting health equity. It is administered by the Loudoun County Health Department and supported through federal acts, highlighting a strategic priority to leverage government funding for targeted community health interventions. The program's target beneficiaries are priority populations identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals in rural communities, people with disabilities, the homebound or isolated, the underinsured or uninsured, immigrants and/or refugees, and those with transportation limitations. The primary impact goal is to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination and the number of vaccinated individuals within these groups, thereby reducing health disparities and protecting vulnerable populations. The program prioritizes specific projects and initiatives focused on increasing vaccine access. This includes funding for project staff, travel to vaccination sites, facility and vehicle rentals for off-site clinics, bus passes to facilitate transportation, associated costs for operating clinics, health communications, education services, and software for information flow. The strategic focus is on removing barriers to vaccination and supporting community-based efforts that can effectively reach and engage these priority populations. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in vaccination rates among the identified priority populations and a reduction in the equity gap in vaccine access. The program also aims to build on existing community rapport and trust, emphasizing the importance of local reach and experienced messengers. By supporting organizations with demonstrated capacity and experience in community health promotion and working with affected communities, the grant intends to achieve sustainable improvements in public health and health equity within Loudoun County. The funding available is $306,407, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $102,000, for a grant period from July 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025.

FWP is offering grants for the 2024-2025 school year to Montana outlying school districts to facilitate visits to the Montana WILD Education Center in Helena, MT. These grants aim to cover transportation and/or lodging costs to enable schools in remote areas to access the center's educational programs. Grants are available for students in grades 4th to 12th, with priority given to schools located 50 miles or more (one-way) from Helena, and additional support for lodging expenses offered to those over 150 miles away. The maximum reimbursement is capped at $2,500 per school, with lodging rates set at $30 per student. Applications are due by May 31, 2024, with notifications to follow a week after the deadline. Should funds remain post-initial distribution, they will be allocated on a first-come basis. Schools are required to engage in pre-visit educational activities and encouraged to undertake a community-based project post-visit.