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. This federal program is designed to support state-level efforts to improve underground pipeline safety by reducing excavation-related damage. Excavation damage is identified as a leading cause of pipeline incidents, which can result in significant safety hazards including injuries and fatalities. Through this funding opportunity, the agency seeks to strengthen state damage prevention systems and promote consistent implementation of One-Call notification requirements. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide financial support to state agencies that are responsible for pipeline safety inspections and oversight. Eligible projects include activities that enhance damage prevention programs, such as updates to state underground damage prevention laws, compliance monitoring, workforce training, and public education campaigns. These efforts are intended to improve coordination between excavators and infrastructure operators, ultimately reducing the likelihood of accidental damage to underground pipelines. Funding under this program is limited in scope and subject to specific restrictions. Individual awards may not exceed sixty thousand dollars, and the total program funding is just over one million dollars. The grant supports non-construction activities only, and funds may not be used for lobbying, litigation support, or routine operational costs of One-Call centers such as database maintenance. Additionally, pre-award costs are not reimbursable unless explicitly approved. All expenditures must align with federal cost principles and the approved project scope. Eligibility for the program is restricted to state agencies that have an established certification or agreement with the administering agency to conduct pipeline safety inspections. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with federal minimum standards for One-Call systems, including the absence of exemptions for public entities or contractors from notification requirements. States with alternative notification systems may also qualify if they provide equivalent or greater protection. Only one application per eligible state agency is permitted. The application process requires submission through the federal grants portal and includes several mandatory components such as standard federal forms, a project narrative, and a detailed budget narrative. Applicants must also maintain active registration in federal systems including the System for Award Management and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier. The application must clearly articulate project goals, expected outcomes, and cost justifications. Evaluation criteria focus on relevance to safety priorities, cost effectiveness, and the clarity of project scope and measurable outcomes. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a posted 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 performance period of twelve months beginning upon execution of the grant agreement. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early due to registration requirements and system processing times. Once awarded, recipients must adhere to reporting requirements including submission of final progress and financial reports within one hundred twenty days after the project period ends. These reports must document project outcomes, financial expenditures, and any deviations from planned objectives. The program emphasizes accountability, data collection, and continuous improvement in pipeline safety practices across participating states.

Focus on clear safety outcomes, measurable training outputs, and strong cost justification aligned with damage prevention priorities