To facilitate siting of transmission projects by providing grants to siting authorities to expedite the siting and permitting process and providing grants for economic development activities in communities that may be affected by a transmission project.

Eligible Uses:

1. Grants to siting authorities for analysis, examination of alternative siting corridors, participation in regulatory proceedings in other jurisdictions related to a transmission project, or other measures that reduce the time to site and permit a transmission project. A siting authority must agree, in writing, to reach a final siting or permitting decision not later than 2 years after the date on which a grant is provided.
2. Grants for economic development activities for communities that may be affected by the construction and operation of transmission projects. The Secretary may only disburse grant funds for economic development activities to (a) a siting authority upon approval by the siting authority of the transmission project; and (b) to any other state, local, or Tribal governmental entity upon commencement of construction of the transmission project.

On January 13, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to stakeholders seeking requesting information from stakeholders regarding issues related to the provision of grants to facilitate the siting of interstate and offshore electricity transmission lines, including possible tools and resources that may reduce the time for siting authorities to reach decisions, and opportunities to increase community engagement and reduce conflicts that can stall siting processes.

Information collected from this RFI will be used for program planning purposes and in the development of a potential Funding Opportunity Announcement.