Posted in PrioritiesPosted by Council for Quality GrowthPosted on

USDOT Announces Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation announce an additional funding opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The announcement on March 23rd, 2022 outlines three programs through which nearly $3 billion will be awarded to infrastructure projects. All three opportunities fall under the Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant Opportunity (MPDG) and utilize a common application to further streamline the process and allow applicants to apply to multiple programs.

  • National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program (MEGA): MEGA is a new funding source, enabled by the BIL, for large or complex infrastructure projects which multijurisdictional or regional transportation projects. Over half of the $1 billion funding in FY22 will be awarded to projects costing over $500 million to improve roads and bridges, freight networks, and public transit.
  • Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Program (INFRA): The INFRA program is set to see a 50% increase in federal funding under the BIL. The $1.55 billion available in FY22 will be awarded to multimodal freight and highway projects which improve safety, efficiency, and reliability. Over the next 4 years, this grant program will provide $7.25 billion in competitive grant funding. Within Georgia, previous projects include the Northeast Georgia Inland Port ($46 million, FY21), Akers Mill Ramp Phase II ($5 million, FY 19), SR 400 Express Lanes ($184 million, FY18), and Port of Savannah International Multi-Modal Connector ($44 million, FY16).
  • Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL): RURAL is a newly funded competitive grant program for highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve freight, safety, and provide or increase access to an agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the economy of a rural area. This year $300 million is available for rural areas. Rural areas, as defined by the 2010 Census, include areas outside of urbanized area (UA), within an UA with a population less than 200,000, or an Urban Cluster.

Please find the official NOFO here.