Federal Transportation Grants

The Ports for the Future Partnerships grant, managed by the Bureau of Counterterrorism under the U.S. Department of State, is a discretionary funding opportunity designed to support initiatives in the transportation sector, specifically targeting port infrastructure development. This program will coordinate with the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) to hold the first Quad Ports and Transportation Conference in Mumbai, India, in 2025. The grant's objective is to partner with organizations that have substantial experience and established networks in port infrastructure and management within the region. A primary focus will be on coordinating technical assistance and capacity-building efforts that meet the extensive infrastructure needs of regional ports, aligning with the strategic priorities of the Quad countries. The grant will be awarded as a cooperative agreement, enabling a close collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and the recipient to ensure the alignment of program activities with the initiative's strategic objectives. The total funding available for this award is $1,275,904, which also serves as both the maximum and minimum funding level for this grant, meaning only one award is anticipated. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from the awardee, allowing for full coverage of approved project costs by the grant. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as U.S.-based and foreign nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. This broad eligibility requirement ensures that organizations with relevant expertise in port management, transportation, and infrastructure, regardless of their legal structure or location, can apply if they meet the program's criteria and objectives. Applicants interested in this opportunity must submit their applications by December 6, 2024. The application materials will likely need to include detailed descriptions of proposed activities, expertise in the sector, and strategies for aligning efforts with Quad priorities. While the full application requirements are not detailed here, interested applicants are encouraged to consult the full announcement on MyGrants for specific application guidelines. Evaluation criteria may involve the applicant's experience, access to networks in the region's ports sector, and their proposed approach to capacity-building and technical assistance coordination. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to contribute to the infrastructure goals of the Quad partnership and effectively engage with international partners to maximize the program's impact. For additional questions or difficulties accessing the application materials, applicants are advised to contact the grant officer at khanz@state.gov. This opportunity represents a chance to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure efforts in South and Central Asia in alignment with the shared security and economic goals of the Quad nations.

This funding opportunity falls under Assistance Listing 20.707. PHMSA, through this NOFO, is requesting applications from States for Hazardous Materials State Inspection (HMSI) funding to carry out State-based inspections of HAZMAT shippers to increase compliance and ensure safe transport of hazardous materials. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) protects people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials (HAZMAT) that are essential to our daily lives. To do this, PHMSA establishes national policy, sets and enforces standards, educates, and conducts research to prevent incidents. PHMSA also prepares the public and first responders to reduce consequences if an incident does occur. To accomplish this, PHMSA awards financial assistance to states, territories, tribes, and nonprofit organizations to ensure industry compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research and development of bus safety and accessibility improvements, targeting transit agencies, government entities, nonprofits, and private companies involved in public transportation.

This program provides funding to small shipyards in the U.S. for capital improvements and workforce training to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness in shipbuilding and repair.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to rural Alaskan communities for surface transportation projects that improve infrastructure, connectivity, and safety, particularly for those unable to meet local match requirements or facing funding gaps.

This grant provides funding to federally recognized Tribal communities to improve transportation safety and reduce fatalities and severe injuries through various safety projects and initiatives.

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R), U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT or the Department). SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 SMART Grants Program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety. DATES: Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM ET on Friday, July 12, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted via Valid Eval, an online submission proposal system used by USDOT, at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/USDOT_SMART_2024/signup. USDOT will not accept or review application materials submitted via Grants.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact SMART Grants Program staff via email at smart@dot.gov or call Madeline Zhu at 202-961-9598. A telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) is available at 202-366-3993. The deadline to submit technical questions is 5:00PM ET on Friday, June 28, 2024, and USDOT may post answers to questions and requests for clarifications, as well as schedule information regarding webinars providing additional guidance, on the SMART Grants website at https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SMART. In addition, USDOT will host a How to Apply webinar on May 28, 2024, with the subsequent recording posted on www.transportation.gov/grants/smart/webinars.

This grant provides funding to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority to improve collaboration and support for intercity passenger rail services among state partners, Amtrak, and federal agencies.

The "Development of Fiscal Year 2025 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plans to Support National Safety Goals" grant is a federal funding program aimed at improving commercial vehicle safety by reducing crashes, enhancing inspections and enforcement, and promoting public education, with states required to submit comprehensive safety plans that align with national safety goals and address key areas like work zone safety, human trafficking, and drug interdiction.

This grant provides funding for significant transportation projects that enhance access to Federal or Tribal lands, targeting Federal Land Management Agencies, Tribal governments, and local governments partnered with them.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, as well as federally recognized Tribes, to purchase or lease environmentally friendly transit buses and improve related infrastructure.

The Bridge Investment Program (BIP) seeks applications for Large Bridge Project grants, aimed at projects with total eligible costs greater than $100 million. The initiative supports bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection projects that enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight. The program is designed to improve the condition of bridges across the United States by addressing those in poor or fair condition that are at risk of deteriorating or do not meet current design standards. Grants are awarded competitively and are available to a wide range of applicants, including states, local governments, and tribal governments. For fiscal years 2023 to 2026, the program has up to $9.62 billion available, with specific deadlines for application submissions detailed by fiscal year.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $51 million in competitive grants under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Passenger Ferry Grant Program (PFG) (Federal Assistance Listing #20.532). Of that amount, $5 million is available only for low or zero-emission ferries or ferries using electric battery or fuel cell components and the infrastructure to support such ferries. As required by Federal public transportation law, funds will be awarded competitively to designated recipients or eligible direct recipients of Urbanized Area Formula funds to support capital projects to improve existing passenger ferry service, establish new ferry service, and repair and modernize ferry boats, terminals, and related facilities and equipment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native Villages for developing and improving public transit services in rural areas.

This grant provides funding to organizations that develop and expand educational and training programs for the aviation maintenance workforce, particularly targeting underserved communities and enhancing diversity in the field.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, public agencies, and rail-related entities for projects that improve and maintain intercity passenger rail infrastructure across the country.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to improve sustainable and resilient port infrastructure in South Asia, enhancing regional economic connectivity and maritime trade efficiency.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and training providers for training individuals, especially veterans and their families, in the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles to help them obtain their Commercial Driver’s Licenses.

This funding opportunity is exclusively available to the American Chemistry Council to provide specialized training for emergency responders on railroad safety and emergency response procedures.

The FY 2023–2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program aims to enhance the safety and mobility of people and goods by funding projects that improve highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossings. These projects reduce risks associated with railroad operations, decrease delays caused by blocked crossings, and improve overall infrastructure, particularly for underserved communities. Eligible projects include grade separations, track relocation, protective device installations, and other measures that directly enhance safety at crossings. The program also supports planning, environmental studies, and final design efforts. Applicants eligible for this program include state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, and public port authorities. Applications must be submitted by September 23, 2024, and will be reviewed based on their contribution to safety, equity, sustainability, and workforce development. Up to $1,148,809,580 in funding is available, sourced from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.