28 Apr U.S. DOT Announces $1.5 Billion BUILD Program to Replace TIGER
On Friday, April 20th, The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” Transportation Discretionary Grants Program (BUILD). The program is funded at $1.5 million, three times greater than the FY 2017 appropriated level of $50 million.
Under BUILD, which replaces the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, states, counties and local governments, including U.S. territories, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) can apply for a maximum of $25 million to support their transportation and infrastructure priorities that have significant local or regional impact. The program will fund projects that improve safety, increase economic competitiveness, protect the environment, enhance quality of life, support innovation, and leverage additional non-federal funding. Projects supported by BUILD include roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation projects.
The retooled program will award at least 30 percent of funds to projects in rural areas, in keeping with the trend begun by the last round of TIGER awards that were the first under the Trump administration. There will be a greater share of grant awards for projects located in rural areas that align well with the selection criteria. Rural broadband also would be eligible for grants where it is part of an eligible transportation project.
A minimum 20% match is required, but higher level is required to be competitive. The deadline for grant applications is July 19, 2018.
DOT will host a series of webinars to guide potential applicants through the new process.
HCG works with local governments and higher education across the country to secure funding for local priorities, including transportation, water infrastructure, historic preservation, public safety, community and economic development, education and workforce development. In recent years, we have helped cities secure TIGER (now BUILD) grants, including Cincinnati, OH and Memphis, TN.
Contact Ron Hamm to discuss how we can work collaboratively to finalize your BUILD grant application.