Green Transportation Capital Grant Program

The Green Transportation Capital Grant program is administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as part of its broader public transportation grant portfolio. The program is designed to support transit agencies in implementing capital projects that reduce the carbon intensity of Washington’s transportation system. Funding for the program is derived primarily from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which allocates cap-and-invest revenues toward climate mitigation, job creation, and public health improvements, alongside additional support from the state’s Multimodal Account. The program is codified under RCW 47.66.120 and reflects the state’s strategic priority to transition toward cleaner, more sustainable transit infrastructure. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund cost-effective capital investments that contribute to the electrification and decarbonization of public transit systems. Eligible project types include the acquisition of zero-emission vehicles such as battery electric and fuel cell buses, development of charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and upgrades to facilities necessary to support these technologies. The program also allows for expenditures related to electrical system upgrades, construction of new facilities dedicated to electrification, and acquisition of property rights required for project implementation. Additionally, transit agencies may apply for funding to support zero-emission fleet transition planning activities, subject to legislative appropriation. Funding is structured around a biennial legislative allocation, with approximately 31.3 million dollars available for the 2025-2027 funding cycle. Projects must adhere to defined timelines, with vehicle, equipment, and planning projects limited to two-year durations, while construction projects may extend to either two or four years depending on scope. Applicants are required to provide matching funds based on a tiered system tied to their operating budgets. Larger agencies must contribute up to 20 percent of project costs, while smaller agencies may qualify for reduced match requirements or no match at all. Matching contributions must consist of direct financial or asset-based inputs that are integral to the project’s implementation. Eligibility is limited to transit agencies within Washington State, including city transit systems, county transportation authorities, metropolitan municipal corporations, public transportation benefit areas, regional transit authorities, and special purpose districts operating transit systems. These entities must demonstrate the capacity to manage capital projects and align proposed initiatives with the program’s environmental and operational objectives. The program emphasizes equitable outcomes, encouraging projects that benefit overburdened communities and reduce environmental harms. The application process is competitive and managed through WSDOT’s grant management system. Applications are evaluated by an advisory committee composed of representatives from multiple state agencies and transit organizations. Proposals are scored based on five criteria: project description, scalability and sustainability, environmental and community benefits, cost effectiveness, and readiness to proceed. Each criterion carries equal weight, contributing to a maximum score of 100 points. Applicants must provide detailed project narratives, budgets, and implementation plans that demonstrate feasibility and alignment with program goals. The timeline for the current funding cycle begins with the notice of funding opportunity posted on May 19, 2026, followed by the application release on June 16, 2026. Applications are due by August 18, 2026, at 3 p.m., after which an evaluation period runs through late September. A prioritized list of projects is submitted to state leadership by October 30, 2026, with award notifications expected between May and June 2027 following budget approval. Funded projects will commence within the 2027-2029 biennium, with completion deadlines extending up to June 30, 2031 for four-year projects.

Ensure strong alignment with evaluation criteria including clear project scope, measurable emissions reductions, cost effectiveness, and readiness to implement