DOT is combining three major grant programs and two fiscal years of funding into one Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant (MPDG) opportunity to reduce the burden for state and local applicants and increase the pipeline of “shovel-worthy” projects that are now possible because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (Rural) program was created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund will support projects to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. It is a highly competitive program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides approximately $1.7 billion for Rural over 5 years, of which approximately $780 million will be made available through this NOFO. At least 90% of rural funding must be awarded in amounts of $25 million or more. If you are seeking less than $25 million, you are competing for only about $78 million nationwide this round.

Applications will be evaluated on six outcome criteria, economic analysis, project readiness, and statutory requirements. The six outcome criteria are:

1. safety;
2. state of good repair;
3. economic impacts, freight movement, and job creation;
4. climate change, resilience, and the environment;
5. equity, multimodal options, and quality of life; and
6. innovation areas: technology, project delivery, and financing.

See notice for expanded eligibility list.