Biden-Harris Administration Announces New, Streamlined Funding Application Process for Infrastructure Projects That Reconnect Communities

 

The U.S. Department of Transportation is now taking applications for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program, an unprecedented effort to build good transportation infrastructure to reconnect communities to economic opportunities. The streamlined program, which combines two different programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, will make it easier to submit an application and increase opportunity for communities that are seeking funding for projects that address harm from past infrastructure planning decisions, accelerate equitable community revitalization, and improve access to everyday destinations

“Transportation should never divide communities – its purpose is to connect people to jobs, schools, housing, groceries, family, and more. That’s what the Reconnecting Communities program and the Neighborhood Access and Equity program are designed to ensure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “By combining these two grant programs into a single application, we are making it easier for communities to seek and receive the funding they need to build better, safer, inclusive infrastructure for the future.”

The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program was established in President Biden’s infrastructure law to help fund community-led projects that mitigate physical barriers to mobility and access, such as train tracks or highways. The Inflation Reduction Act established the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program that similarly funds projects that remove physical barriers as well as projects to improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.  

Available funding includes:

• $198 million for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program which includes:
  • $148 million for Capital Construction Grant funds
  • $50 million for Community Planning Grants, including funding for technical assistance.
• $3.155 billion for the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program which includes: 
  • $135 million to Community Planning Grants
  • $2.57 billion to Capital Construction Grants
  • $450 million to Regional Partnerships Challenge Grants, designed to incentivize regions to come together to leverage both federal, state, and regional funding and policies to tackle problems.

The Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program will be hosting five webinars throughout July and August. Details are below.

• Interested in Applying? Reconnecting Communities Grant Program Overview for Prospective Applicants
  • Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:30PM ET
  • Zoom webinar
• Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods – Tribal focus
  • Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:30PM ET
  • Zoom webinar
• Interested in Applying? Reconnecting Communities Grant Program Overview for Prospective Applicants - Encore
  • Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:30PM ET (Zoom details forthcoming)
• Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods – Rural/Nonprofit focus
  • Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:30PM ET (Zoom details forthcoming)
• Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods – Capital Construction
  • Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:30PM ET (Zoom details forthcoming)

The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm EDT on September 28th, 2023, Applicants may find the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods NOFO, Frequently Asked Questions, and other helpful resources here. 

If you wish to receive updates about the program, sign up for email updates. You may send questions to ReconnectingCommunities@dot.gov.