Transportation-Related Research and Workforce Development Grant Program

The Transportation-Related Research and Workforce Development Grant Program (TRWD) is administered by the Arkansas Department of Transportation through its Local Programs Division. The program was originally established by the Arkansas Legislature under Act 705 of 2017 to fund transportation-related research using interest income from the State Highway and Transportation Department Fund. It was later expanded under Act 884 of 2021 to include workforce development initiatives. The program reflects the state’s commitment to advancing transportation systems, supporting innovation, and strengthening workforce capacity across multiple transportation modes, including rail, aviation, public transit, and waterborne systems. The primary purpose of the TRWD program is to fund projects that either conduct transportation-related research or support workforce development activities tied to the transportation sector. Transportation-related research is broadly defined as systematic investigation into materials, systems, and methodologies that improve resilience, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Workforce development activities include training programs, apprenticeships, and educational initiatives designed to build skills among current and future transportation professionals. The program emphasizes both economic development and educational advancement through applied research and practical training. Funding under this program is provided through a competitive application process. Each application cycle offers approximately $1,000,000 in total funding, with a minimum request requirement of $20,000 per application. There is no maximum funding limit, allowing applicants to propose projects of varying scope and scale. Projects may focus exclusively on research or workforce development and are not required to address both areas simultaneously. Funds are distributed following approval by the Arkansas State Highway Commission and execution of a formal grant agreement. Eligibility for the TRWD program is limited to publicly funded institutions of higher education. These institutions may propose projects that align with the program’s definitions and objectives, including innovative research studies or workforce training initiatives. The program does not specify additional eligibility categories beyond this institutional requirement, indicating a focused intent to support academic entities capable of conducting research and delivering structured training programs. The application process involves submission through a competitive review system in which proposals are evaluated and scored by a designated TRWD Committee. While specific application components are not explicitly detailed, applicants are expected to provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate project relevance, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. Following evaluation, recommended projects are submitted for final approval by the Arkansas State Highway Commission. Funding becomes available upon execution of the grant agreement, marking the formal start of the project period. The program operates on a recurring cycle, with applications solicited at least once every two years. For the current cycle, the application period is open and scheduled to close on June 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. This recurring structure allows institutions to plan for future funding opportunities and aligns with the program’s long-term goals of sustained research and workforce development. Contact for the program is maintained through the Local Programs Division via email and phone, providing applicants with a direct channel for inquiries and support throughout the application process. Examples of previously funded projects demonstrate the program’s breadth, including studies on sustainable construction materials, hydrogen fuel cell technology, transportation economics, and workforce training programs such as commercial driver’s license education and heavy equipment operation. These examples illustrate the program’s dual emphasis on innovation and workforce readiness, reinforcing its role in strengthening Arkansas’s transportation infrastructure and labor force.