USDOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) notice of funding opportunity is open. RAISE funds surface transportation projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. Eligible applicants are states, territories, a unit of local government, a public agency, and tribal governments. 84% of current RAISE grants are bicycle, pedestrian, or transit projects. If a recipient was involved in an Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment (ATIIP) project that was not funded, they may be able to apply for the same project under RAISE. Eligible projects include capital projects and planning projects. Deadline: January 30, 2025. Here are successful applications submitted by previous awardees: https://localinfrastructure.org/resources/winning-applications/raise/
TxDOT’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program Call for Projects Opens
TxDOT officially opens its 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Call for Projects for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and planning. The TA program provides funding to plan for and construct a variety of alternative transportation projects that improve safety and mobility for non-motorized travelers and mitigate congestion by providing safe alternatives to motor vehicle transport.
Through TxDOT’s 2025 TA Call for Projects, the department will select projects for recommendation to the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) for FY 2027-FY 2029 federal appropriations consistent with anticipated funding levels associated with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and subsequent funding bills totaling approximately $250 million. Projects located in all areas of the state, regardless of population size, may be submitted under this call.
This Call for Projects features a two-step application process. The Preliminary Application (Step 1) provides high-level proposed project information to determine eligibility and funding opportunities. Following successful completion of Step 1, a Detailed Application (Step 2) provides more comprehensive project information. This two-step approach is intended to enhance the quality of project applications and to foster communication between prospective project sponsors and TxDOT District staff. Both steps must be completed in order for a project to be considered for funding under this program call.
TxDOT’s 2025 TA Program Guide and Preliminary Application (Step 1) are available on the department’s website at: https://www.txdot.gov/business/grants-and-funding/bicycle-pedestrian-local-federal-funding-programs.html. TxDOT’s 2025 TA Program Guide includes detailed information about eligibility requirements, specific procedures applicable to this Call for Projects, evaluation criteria, a map of the department’s district offices, a list of the District TA Coordinators, and a list of workshop dates for prospective project sponsors.
The completed Preliminary Application must be received by TxDOT via Box.com, as outlined in the preliminary application instructions, no later than 5:00 p.m., CDT, on Friday, February 21, 2025. The Detailed Application (Step 2) will be distributed to eligible project sponsors on or about April 16, 2025.
Please attend one of the upcoming workshops to learn more about this opportunity. Below is link to the workshop schedule and invite.
Bobcat Company proposes new grant for a Park and Rec Makeover Contest
Is your favorite park in need of a favor?
Enter your community to win a $100,000 Park & Rec Makeover.
Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, has launched a nationwide Bobcat Park and Rec Makeover Contest to give one community a $100,000 park makeover.
The Bobcat Park and Rec Makeover Contest is open to communities in the U.S. with a shovel-ready park and recreation project. Funds can be used to renovate or create a park and recreation space or facility based on the winning community’s needs.
To learn more and to apply click here.
City of Vernon adopts WOW-E Proclamation
On Tuesday, April 23rd, the City of Vernon in Wilbarger County held their city commission meeting where community leaders, practitioners, and advocates signed and approved the WOW-E proclamation. Signees included members of Vernon College, Wilbarger County AgriLife, Wilbarger General Hospital, Vernon Farmer’s Market Association, Vernon Boys and Girls Club, Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, Wilbarger County Campfire, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and Carnegie City/County Library. WOW-E participants in Vernon were excited about the proclamation and are wanting to build public awareness about the program. The WOW-E proclamation is a commitment to the WOW-E program, can be used to garner additional community support and attention for the initiative and future efforts, can publicly recognize the community as a WOW-E community, and can be featured as a WOW-E community on the WOW-E website and in social media call outs.
The signing of the proclamation comes after Vernon residents attended WOW-E’s January kickoff event in Dallas and hosted a local kickoff event in Vernon. The community plans to participate in WOW-E’s Community Challenge which provides technical assistance to improve local physical activity amenities and increase access to healthy foods.
Way to go, Vernon! The WOW-E team is excited to continue working with you. Wilbarger county is now set to host their community challenge on April, 30th, 2024.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program
Program Overview
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Over $3 billion is still available for future funding rounds.
Funding Opportunities
FY24 NOFO Now Open
The fiscal year (FY) 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is open.
The FY 2024 NOFO has multiple deadlines, depending on the grant type
- April 4, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #1 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
- May 16, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Sole deadline for Implementation Grants. Deadline #2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
- August 29, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration Grants. NOFO closes.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Eligibility
The following groups of applicants are eligible for the SS4A grant program:
- Political subdivisions of a State, which includes counties, cities, towns, transit agencies, and other special districts.
- Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
- Federally recognized Tribal governments.
Learn more about eligible applicants for SS4A.
Planning and Demonstration Grants
Planning and Demonstration Grants provide Federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement an Action Plan. The goal of an Action Plan is to develop a holistic, well-defined strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries in a locality, Tribal area, or region.
Planning and Demonstration Grants also fund supplemental planning activities in support of an Action Plan and demonstration activities in support of an Action Plan.
Implementation Grants
Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address a roadway safety problem. Eligible projects and strategies can be infrastructural, behavioral, and/or operational activities.
Implementation Grants may also include supplemental planning and demonstration activities to inform an existing Action Plan, and project-level planning, design, and development activities.
Applicants must have an eligible comprehensive safety action plan (referred to as an “Action Plan”) to apply for an Implementation Grant.
New in FY24, potential Implementation Grant applicants may submit their Action Plan(s) for pre-application review so that USDOT may affirm their eligibility to apply for an Implementation Grant.