SOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program

The Denali Commission, an independent federal agency established to provide critical infrastructure support to remote and underserved communities in Alaska, is offering funding through the Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program. The Commission plays a central role in addressing infrastructure inequities in rural Alaska, where geographic isolation, limited tax bases, and high construction costs often hinder the development of essential transportation systems. This program is designed to bridge financial barriers that prevent communities from accessing or completing transportation projects that are otherwise viable. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial assistance to cover required non federal matching funds or to fill funding gaps for construction ready transportation infrastructure projects. Many rural Alaskan communities struggle to meet cost share requirements associated with federal transportation funding programs. By offering match and gap funding, the Commission enables these communities to advance critical infrastructure projects that improve mobility, safety, and economic connectivity. Eligible uses of funds include supporting transportation improvements that are ready for construction and provide clear public benefit. Funding for this program is made available under Public Law 117 328 and is supported by provisions in the Denali Commission Act that allow federal funds to be used to meet non federal cost share requirements under certain federal transportation programs. The program anticipates awarding approximately eleven grants, with individual awards ranging from fifty thousand dollars to one million dollars. The total program funding is estimated at seven million five hundred thousand dollars. The Commission retains discretion to partially fund projects depending on the quality and scope of applications received. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad but focused on entities capable of delivering public benefit transportation projects in Alaska. Eligible applicants include city or township governments, county or borough governments, federally recognized tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations, independent school districts, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501 c 3 status. Priority consideration is given to applicants that do not currently have active or pending transportation awards from the Denali Commission, reflecting a strategic goal to expand access to funding across underserved communities. The application process begins with the submission of a Statement of Interest rather than a full proposal. Applicants must complete a designated form and submit it via email directly to the Commission rather than through Grants dot gov. Following the review of statements, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal within approximately thirty days. Evaluation of submissions involves a conformance review and assessment by Commission staff and subject matter experts, followed by further review from the Transportation Advisory Committee for full proposals. The application timeline is clearly defined, with the current cycle opening upon posting on August fifth twenty twenty six and closing on August twenty eighth twenty twenty six. Statements of Interest are reviewed shortly after the deadline, and invitations for full proposals are expected in early September. Final award decisions are anticipated in the spring of twenty twenty seven. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their projects are construction ready and demonstrate strong alignment with program priorities to enhance competitiveness.

Ensure project is construction ready and clearly demonstrates need for match or gap funding to improve competitiveness