Infrastructure Update

Press Releases      

FHWA Opens Applications for First Round of New $400M Competitive Program to Reduce Truck Air Pollution at Ports  

April 27, 2023 | Source: FHWA 

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced the availability of $160 million in FY23 funding for the new Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program. The funding will focus on projects that reduce emissions from idling trucks at ports and fund charging stations and electrical hookups for trucks through port electrification. As part of the Justice40 initiative, FHWA is prioritizing projects that will reduce emissions in communities near ports, as these populations are disproportionately affected by the environmental impacts. Applications for the program are due June 26, 2023.  

DOT Expands Investment in Regional Infrastructure Accelerators Grant Program 

April 27, 2023| Source: DOT 

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that the Build America Bureau will add $24 million in grants to the Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) Program. The funding, now $34 million total, will expedite delivery of transportation infrastructure projects at the local and regional levels. According to the press release, Accelerators “serve an essential project development role that can focus resources, funding, and expertise to expedite planning, development, and delivery at the local and regional level,” allowing these communities to better compete for additional discretionary funding by “developing a pipeline of projects ready for investment.” Applications for the Regional Infrastructure Accelerators Program are due May 30, 2023. 

NTIA Releases Proposed Guidance for High-Speed Internet Program’s State Challenge Process 

April 25, 2023 | Source: NTIA 

On Tuesday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released proposed guidance for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Established by the BIL, the BEAD program provides $42.45 billion of funding to states, territories and the District of Columbia for broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and adoption activities. The new proposed guidance assists states and territories in the design and implementation of their BEAD challenge process and includes a model for how applicants can meet the requirements of a BEAD state challenge. The deadline to submit a comment to NTIA on the proposed guidance is May 5, 2023. 

EPA Announces $400 Million Grant Program to Fund Clean School Buses that Reduce Emissions and Protect Children’s Health 

April 24, 2023| Source: EPA 

On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $400 million in grants for the Clean School Bus Program. The program will fund electric, propane, and compressed natural gas buses that produce either zero or low tailpipe emissions, resulting in cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff, and their local communities. EPA is prioritizing applications that will replace buses serving high-need local education agencies, Tribal school districts funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs or those receiving basic support payments for students living on Tribal land, and rural areas. Applications are due August 22, 2023.