US$2.9 billion for US transport infrastructure

The US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced that the administration will be providing US$2.9 billion in grants for state and local bridge, road and other infrastructure projects through a combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

The NOFO combines three major discretionary grant programmes into one and is said to increase the pipeline of “shovel-worthy” projects. It means that state, regional and local governments will be able to contend for grant funding through three separate programmes with a single application.

The money is part of the US$1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law four months ago. It is intended to provide funding for public works projects, including highway, bridge, freight, port and public transit expansions and repairs.

“Until now, we had limited ability to make awards beyond a certain level, or to support projects with funding from multiple federal grant programs,” said Secretary Buttigieg.

“Under this approach and with a major infusion of new funding, we have the capacity to green-light more transformational projects that will create good-paying union jobs, grow the economy, and make our transportation system safer and more resilient.”

Applications for the funds are due by May 23 and approvals are expected at some point in the third quarter.