FY 2026 Pipeline One-Call Grant

The Pipeline Safety One-Call Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). PHMSA is responsible for ensuring the safe and secure transportation of energy and hazardous materials across the United States, and this grant program is one of its key mechanisms for supporting state-level pipeline safety initiatives. The program is authorized under federal statute and is designed to strengthen coordination between state agencies and national safety objectives related to underground infrastructure. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to reduce damage to underground pipelines caused by excavation activities, which historically have been a leading cause of pipeline-related incidents, including those resulting in injuries and fatalities. Through this program, PHMSA provides financial support to state agencies to enhance their damage prevention programs. These efforts may include revising or strengthening state underground damage prevention laws, improving compliance and enforcement activities, conducting training programs, and implementing public education campaigns aimed at excavators and the general public. Funding under this opportunity is discretionary, with PHMSA anticipating awarding just over one million dollars in total funding for the fiscal year. Individual awards are capped at a maximum amount per recipient, and recipients may request the full award amount upfront upon execution of the grant agreement. The period of performance for funded projects is limited to twelve months, and applicants must ensure that proposed activities can be completed within this timeframe. While extensions may be considered, they are subject to federal regulations and approval processes. Eligible applicants are limited to state agencies that are authorized to conduct pipeline safety inspections under specific federal certifications or agreements. To qualify, states must demonstrate compliance with federally established minimum standards for one-call notification systems, including requirements that ensure no exemptions are granted to municipalities or state entities from participation. States operating alternative notification systems may also qualify if those systems provide equivalent or greater safety protections. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include a comprehensive set of required documents such as standard federal forms, a detailed project narrative, and a budget narrative with justification. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in federal systems including SAM and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier. The application process emphasizes clarity, completeness, and adherence to specified formats, with PHMSA evaluating submissions based on criteria such as alignment with program priorities, cost effectiveness, and the clarity of project goals and expected outcomes. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 19, 2026, with a prior deadline for submitting questions. PHMSA conducts a multi-step review process that includes administrative, technical, and programmatic evaluations, as well as a risk assessment based on the applicant’s performance history and compliance records. Awards are expected to be announced by the end of September 2026, and selected applicants will receive formal notification along with instructions for executing the grant agreement. Post-award, recipients are required to comply with a range of federal administrative and reporting requirements, including submission of final progress and financial reports within 120 days after the end of the performance period. These reports must document project outcomes, expenditures, and any deviations from planned activities. Additionally, recipients may be required to participate in program evaluations to assess the effectiveness and impact of funded initiatives. This structured oversight ensures accountability and supports continuous improvement in pipeline safety efforts nationwide.

Align projects with safety outcomes; clearly define measurable goals and milestones; ensure budget justification is detailed and cost effective; demonstrate compliance with federal standards