Timber for Transit Program

The Timber for Transit Program is administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership that promotes economic and community development across a defined four-state region consisting of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The program is designed to support infrastructure innovation by advancing the use of domestically sourced forest products in transportation-related projects. Through this initiative, the Commission aims to strengthen rural economies, support forest product industries, and improve climate resilience in transportation systems. The primary purpose of the Timber for Transit Program is to fund applied research and demonstration projects that showcase the use of advanced wood materials in transportation infrastructure. These materials include high-value forest products such as glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, and composite wood systems. Eligible projects must demonstrate practical applications of these materials in real-world transportation settings, including roads, bridges, rail systems, terminals, and related infrastructure. Basic research is explicitly excluded, as the program prioritizes projects with clear implementation pathways and industry relevance. Funding is available for two primary categories of projects: feasibility and implementation. Feasibility projects support early-stage activities such as planning, engineering design, environmental assessments, cost analyses, and permitting processes. Implementation projects fund construction or non-construction activities that directly apply advanced wood materials in infrastructure. Funding amounts vary by category, with feasibility awards capped at one million dollars and implementation awards reaching up to five million dollars for projects that meet additional criteria. These criteria include alignment with multiple program priorities, addressing time-sensitive infrastructure needs, or spanning multiple eligible communities. The program requires cost sharing based on statutory requirements tied to the economic distress level of the project location. Matching funds are calculated as a percentage of total project costs, and applicants must consult annually updated criteria to determine their required contribution. This ensures equitable distribution of funding while encouraging local investment and commitment to project success. Eligibility is limited to entities operating within the NBRC service area. Eligible applicants include state governments, local governments, regional planning organizations, nonprofit organizations with 501(c) status, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. For-profit entities and organizations without appropriate nonprofit designation are not eligible. All projects must be located within designated counties in the four-state region, and applicants must demonstrate operational presence within the area. The application process is structured in two stages. Applicants must first submit a pre-application, which is reviewed jointly by the Commission and participating states. Based on this review, selected applicants are invited to submit a full application through the Commission’s online system. The pre-application determines eligibility and maximum funding thresholds. The program operates two funding rounds annually, with deadlines in late February and August for pre-applications, followed by April and October deadlines for full applications. Awards are typically announced in June and December. Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including use of domestically sourced timber, climate resilience considerations, workforce development and training integration, and alignment with state and community initiatives. Additional preference is given to projects that include public outreach or marketing components and those that benefit economically distressed communities. The program emphasizes measurable impact, innovation, and the ability to demonstrate scalable solutions for transportation infrastructure using advanced wood materials.

Align proposals with multiple program priorities; emphasize climate resilience and domestic timber use; include education and outreach components; demonstrate multi-community impact