FY 2026 Technical Assistance Information to Communities Grants

The Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities Technical Assistance 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 communities, local governments, and qualified nonprofit entities in improving their understanding of pipeline safety issues. Since its inception, the program has funded hundreds of projects aimed at strengthening public engagement, advancing safety awareness, and enabling communities to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting pipeline infrastructure. The program operates under statutory authority outlined in federal law and reflects the agency’s broader mission to ensure safe and efficient transportation systems. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for technical analysis and expertise related to pipeline safety. This includes funding engineering studies, risk assessments, and other scientific evaluations that help communities better understand pipeline operations, construction, and potential hazards. The program emphasizes public participation and aims to empower individuals and local entities to engage constructively with pipeline operators and regulators. Funded projects often include initiatives such as improving emergency response preparedness, promoting safe excavation practices, developing educational materials, and conducting outreach campaigns to raise public awareness. Funding under this program is structured across two primary categories. Most awards are capped at a maximum of one hundred thousand dollars per recipient for projects that can be completed within a twelve-month performance period. Additionally, the program includes a single larger award intended to enhance the overall quality of technical assistance provided nationwide. The total funding available for the program exceeds two million dollars. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis and must be used strictly for allowable activities aligned with the program’s objectives. Restrictions prohibit the use of funds for lobbying, litigation support, regulatory compliance activities, or routine operations and maintenance of pipeline systems. Eligibility for the program is limited to local communities and groups of individuals, including municipalities, counties, tribal entities, and similar governmental subdivisions. Nonprofit entities may also qualify under specific conditions, particularly for the larger award category. For-profit organizations, states, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate a connection to pipeline safety concerns within their communities and propose new projects rather than extensions of previously funded efforts. The program encourages collaboration but imposes restrictions on overlapping funding between recipients within the same fiscal cycle. The application process requires submission through the federal grants portal and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must complete standard federal forms, including the application for federal assistance and budget documentation, along with detailed narratives describing the proposed project and its anticipated outcomes. Supporting materials must outline budget justifications, project objectives, timelines, and evaluation strategies. Applicants are also required to maintain active registrations in federal systems used for grant management and communication. The submission process is strictly electronic, and late applications may not be considered. Applications are evaluated based on a structured set of merit criteria focusing on project clarity, alignment with safety goals, and the applicant’s experience and capacity. Reviewers assess how well proposals establish measurable objectives, demonstrate community engagement, and contribute to advancing pipeline safety practices. Additional considerations include the feasibility of the project plan, the appropriateness of the budget, and the potential for broader impact or knowledge transfer. The review process includes administrative, technical, and risk assessments to ensure that selected applicants meet all requirements and can responsibly manage federal funds. The program operates on a defined annual timeline, with applications opening upon announcement and closing in late June. Questions must be submitted prior to the application deadline, and awards are expected to be announced by the end of September. Successful applicants enter into a formal agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the award, including reporting requirements. Recipients must submit mid-term and final reports documenting progress, financial expenditures, and measurable outcomes. These reporting obligations ensure accountability and contribute to the continuous improvement of the program and its impact on community safety.

Focus on clearly defined measurable outcomes, demonstrate community engagement, and align project goals with pipeline safety improvements; ensure budget justification is detailed and realistic