FY 2026 State Damage Prevention

The State Damage Prevention Grant Program is administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. This program is authorized under federal statute and is designed to support state-level efforts to prevent damage to underground pipeline infrastructure. PHMSA’s broader mission is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and hazardous materials, and this grant program reflects a targeted effort to reduce one of the leading causes of pipeline incidents: excavation damage. The purpose of the program is to assist states in either establishing or enhancing comprehensive damage prevention programs. These programs are intended to reduce risks associated with excavation activities that may impact underground pipelines. Funding supports initiatives such as enforcement of excavation safety laws, public awareness campaigns about safe digging practices, improvements in communication between stakeholders, and adoption of technologies that increase efficiency in locating underground infrastructure. The program is structured around nine core elements defined in federal law that characterize effective damage prevention systems. The total funding available under this opportunity is just over 1.5 million dollars, with individual awards capped at 100,000 dollars per recipient. The grants are discretionary and may be awarded in full or in part depending on application quality and alignment with program priorities. Funds are intended to support personnel, equipment, and operational activities necessary to implement or improve damage prevention programs. However, there are strict limitations on allowable costs. Funds cannot be used for construction, lobbying, litigation support, research and development, or general operational costs unrelated to program development. Equipment purchases are also capped at a specified threshold, and funds cannot be used for expenses already covered under other federal programs. Eligibility is limited to state authorities designated by a governor, including municipalities responsible for intrastate gas pipeline transportation. Applicants must demonstrate that they either have an effective damage prevention program in place or have made substantial progress toward developing one. Additional requirements include participation in federal pipeline oversight programs and compliance with one-call notification system requirements. States that provide exemptions from these requirements are not eligible. Applicants must also demonstrate alignment with the nine required program elements and provide evidence of prior performance or concrete plans for implementation. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include several required components such as standard federal forms, a project narrative, and a detailed budget narrative. A letter from the governor designating the applicant as the eligible state authority is also required. The application must clearly outline proposed projects, expected outcomes, and alignment with program criteria. PHMSA evaluates applications based on relevance to program elements, expected results, cost effectiveness, and the state’s demonstrated commitment to damage prevention. The application timeline includes a posting date in mid-May, a question submission deadline in late June, and a final application deadline shortly thereafter. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of September, with a 12-month period of performance beginning upon execution of the grant agreement. During this period, recipients are expected to complete proposed activities and submit final progress and financial reports within 120 days after the end of the performance period. The program is offered annually, providing recurring opportunities for eligible states to apply. For support and inquiries, applicants are directed to use the FedConnect messaging system or contact designated program officials via email or phone. Technical assistance is also available for issues related to Grants.gov or system registration. Overall, the program emphasizes safety outcomes, measurable improvements, and strong alignment with federally defined best practices in pipeline damage prevention.

Ensure strong alignment with the nine damage prevention elements; clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and safety improvements; provide detailed and justified budget narratives; avoid overlap with other federal funding; emphasize cost efficiency and implementation feasibility