Bureau Bulletin Brief: December 19, 2024
Notice of Funding Opportunity:
Rural and Tribal Assistance Grant Program
Up to $27 Million Available – Register for Webinar Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. ET
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Build America Bureau (Bureau) today released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The NOFO offers $27 million in technical assistance grants to rural and tribal communities for the planning and design phase development of transportation projects. There is no local funding match required to participate in this program. The Bureau designated up to $10 million for Tribal applicants.
“It is critical to support rural and Tribal communities and regions, so they are able to compete in DOT’s larger grant programs,” said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “The Bureau is committed to sharing best practices and building capacity at local levels to ensure better utilization of innovative funding and financing solutions to deliver projects efficiently and cost-effectively.”
The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program grants may be used to hire staff or advisors to assist with planning and design phase activities, including feasibility studies, preliminary engineering and design, environmental review, revenue forecasting, financial feasibility analysis, statutory and regulatory analysis, and drafting and negotiation of agreements. This program has two types of grants:
- Single project grants ranging from $200,000 up to $750,000 each, and
- Multi-community grants ranging from $500,000 up to $2.25 million each to fund projects in at least three eligible communities submitted in a single application.
The Bureau will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET. The Bureau posted a copy of the application on the website for interested entities to review and draft responses in advance. The application portal will close on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. ET.
Eligible applicants include local governments or political subdivisions in rural areas or in urbanized areas that have a population less than 150,000 per the 2020 Census; state governments applying on behalf of a project in a rural area; federally recognized Indian Tribes; and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
The Bureau will host a free webinar on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET. about the application process and what activities can be funded through the program. Register for the webinar here. Participation in the webinar is not mandatory to receive funding. The Bureau will post a recording of the webinar and a copy of the presentation at Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program | Build America (transportation.gov). To provide an inclusive experience, the Bureau will arrange accommodations for requests received at RuralandtribalTA@dot.gov up to five business days prior to the webinar.
The previous NOFO included $3.4 million. The Bureau awarded grants for 13 projects during the first round for activities such as engineering design for roadway safety improvements, a bicycle and pedestrian trail connection, port development, and a study for transit service feasibility.
The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program joins the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program, the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program, the Thriving Communities Program, and other DOT technical assistance resources to ensure communities have tools to access federal funding and financing for critical infrastructure projects. Additional DOT technical assistance resources can be found on the DOT Navigator at www.transportation.gov/dot-navigator.
The Build America Bureau advances investment in transportation infrastructure by lending Federal funds to qualified borrowers; clearing roadblocks for credit worthy projects; providing technical assistance grants and services; and encouraging best practices in project planning, financing, and delivery. The Bureau draws on expertise across DOT to serve as a point of coordination for states, municipalities, private partners, and other project sponsors seeking federal financing and technical assistance.
If you are interested in exploring federal financing with the Build America Bureau, please contact us at BuildAmerica@dot.gov.
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