FY 2026 State Damage Prevention

The State Damage Prevention Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This program is designed to support state-level efforts to prevent damage to underground pipeline infrastructure, which has historically been a leading cause of serious safety incidents including injuries and fatalities. The program is authorized under federal statute and reflects a national priority to enhance pipeline safety through improved state oversight, enforcement, and public awareness initiatives. The primary objective of the program is to assist states in either establishing comprehensive damage prevention programs or strengthening existing ones. These programs are expected to align with a set of nine core elements defined in federal law that represent best practices in pipeline damage prevention. Funding supports a wide range of activities including enforcement of excavation laws, stakeholder coordination, public education campaigns, workforce training, and the use of technology to improve locating processes. The overarching goal is to reduce excavation-related pipeline damage through systematic, measurable improvements. Funding under this opportunity is discretionary, with a total program allocation of up to 1500001 dollars. Individual awards are capped at 100000 dollars per recipient, and applicants may request up to 100 percent of project funding without any cost-sharing requirement. The period of performance for funded projects is 12 months, during which all proposed activities must be completed. Funds are restricted to allowable costs such as personnel, equipment, and program-related activities directly tied to damage prevention. Several prohibitions apply, including restrictions on construction, lobbying, research and development, and general operational costs unrelated to program goals. Eligible applicants are limited to state authorities designated by a governor, including municipalities involved in intrastate gas pipeline oversight. These entities must already participate in federal pipeline oversight programs or demonstrate eligibility to do so. Additionally, states must either have an effective damage prevention program in place or show substantial progress toward implementing one. A critical eligibility requirement is that states must not exempt any entities from one-call notification requirements, ensuring consistent compliance across all stakeholders. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants are required to complete several standard federal forms along with a detailed project narrative and budget justification. Supporting documentation includes certifications, assurances, and a governor-signed designation letter confirming the applicant’s authority. Applicants must also maintain active registration in the System for Award Management and are encouraged to use FedConnect for communications with the agency. The application process emphasizes clarity, completeness, and alignment with program objectives. Applications are evaluated based on three primary criteria: alignment with the nine elements of effective damage prevention, the feasibility and impact of proposed activities, and the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to program goals. Projects are expected to produce measurable outcomes within the performance period and demonstrate efficient use of funds. The agency may fund full or partial proposals and retains discretion in final award decisions. Risk assessments and compliance reviews are conducted prior to award issuance. The application deadline is June 19, 2026, with questions due by June 17, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced no later than September 30, 2026. Selected applicants will receive formal notification and must execute grant agreements within a specified timeframe. Following project completion, recipients are required to submit final performance and financial reports detailing outcomes, expenditures, and program impact. The program is issued annually, indicating a recurring funding opportunity aligned with federal fiscal cycles.

Align projects clearly with one or more of the nine elements; demonstrate measurable outcomes within 12 months; ensure budget justification is detailed and accurate; avoid ineligible cost categories