The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced it is advancing transportation projects in underserved communities across the U.S. by awarding 13 grants totaling $3.4 million through the new Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (RTA).
Administered by the Build America Bureau, the RTA grant program supports early-stage development of transportation solutions in rural and Tribal communities with grants funding technical, legal, and financial assistance.
The Bureau received 406 applications requesting more than $127 million in funding. Of those, 70 applications totaling $19 million were submitted from Tribal applicants.
"The sheer number of applications received, and amount of funding requested demonstrates the tremendous need for funding communities that have historically been left out of federal investment opportunities,” said Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “This is great progress in our mission to help our rural and Tribal partners realize their visions for safer and more efficient transportation options.”
“The Bureau is excited to work with these new partners to jump-start local projects and better position them to compete for DOT grants and explore innovative funding, financing, and delivery solutions,” said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “The response to this funding opportunity was astounding and has highlighted how impactful the Program will be for our rural and Tribal communities. This is just the beginning.”
“As most of Indian Country is rural, we are happy to use these opportunities to work with them and ensure these historic opportunities under the BIL are accessible for all Americans,” said Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs Arlando Teller.
The RTA program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November 2021, allocates $10 million over five years to provide technical assistance for projects in rural and Tribal communities.
The RTA joins the Thriving Communities Program, the Regional Infrastructure Accelerators, and other new technical assistance opportunities that seek to ensure communities have the tools to access federal funding and financing for transformative infrastructure projects.
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Source: The U.S. Department of Transportation