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October 2024 FHWA Planning Updates: Funding Opportunities & Awards

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced several key updates and funding opportunities that can benefit local, regional, and state transportation programs. These updates offer significant resources for transportation safety, innovation, and environmental sustainability. As your regional planning partner, SCPDC is ready to assist in securing funding for these Federal Highway programs.

Key Announcements:

Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Approved Through December 20, 2024

On September 26, 2024, the President signed a continuing resolution to approve Federal funding programs for fiscal year (FY) 2025 through December 20, 2024.

U.S. DOT Announces $1 Billion in Awards for Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program

On September 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced more than $1 billion in awards from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. The U.S. DOT awarded grants to 354 local, regional, and tribal communities to improve roadway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries. More information is available here.

U.S. DOT Announces $49.5 Million in Awards for Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grants

On September 17, 2024, the U.S. DOT announced approximately $49.5 million in awards from the Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program (IFACGP). The U.S. DOT awarded grants to 45 local, regional, and state public entities for exploring innovative financing and delivery opportunities, such as asset scans, market studies, delivery option analyses, financial modeling, asset concessions, and public-private partnerships.

FTA Announces $300 Million in Awards to Improve and Expand Ferry Services

On September 16, 2024, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced nearly $300 million in awards from the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot ProgramPassenger Ferry Grant Program, and Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program. In total, FTA awarded 18 grants to projects in 14 states.

FHWA Announces $26.9 Million in Available Funding for National Scenic Byways Program

On September 17, 2024, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the availability of approximately $26.9 million in funding through the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP). The purpose of the NSBP is to help recognize, preserve, and enhance selected roadways throughout the United States, including National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads (collectively America’s Byways), State scenic byways, or Indian Tribe scenic byways. The application deadline is December 16, 2024. More information is available here.

Application Deadlines Approaching for Other U.S. DOT Discretionary Grant Opportunities

Please be aware of the approaching application deadlines for the following discretionary grant opportunities from the U.S. DOT:

     

    FHWA Requesting Information on Electric Charging Technologies and Infrastructure Needs

    On September 12, 2024, FHWA published a Requestion for Information in the Federal Register [89 FR 74356] to solicit feedback regarding medium- and heavy-duty electric charging technologies and infrastructure needs. The goal is to inform appropriate future Federal Government activities to support the development and deployment of electric vehicle chargers and support the anticipated needs of original equipment manufacturers, fleet operators, drivers, charging station operators, and electric utilities. The public comment deadline is November 12, 2024. More information is available here.

    New Resources and Publications from the U.S. DOT

    The U.S. DOT recently published the following resources:

      New Research from the National Cooperative Highway Research Program

      The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) recently published the following research:

        Upcoming Webinars:

        Several FHWA webinars on performance-based planning, infrastructure, safety, and carbon reduction strategies are scheduled for October. These sessions are invaluable for staying updated on best practices and federal planning requirements.

        Here is the registration information for some upcoming webinars:


           

          For more details on these opportunities and to discuss how SCPDC can assist with grant applications, please reach out to us. Let’s work together to secure federal funding that supports transportation innovation and safety in our region.