DOT recently issued a combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for three major transportation grant programs funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program (MEGA), Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Program (INFRA) , and the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL). Please note that applicants will be able to apply for funding from all three programs using a single application and a common set of criteria. The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 23, 2022.

• National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) Program – This new program will provide up to $1 billion in competitive grants to fund projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs. Grants will support multijurisdictional or regional projects of significance that may also cut across multiple modes of transportation. Eligible projects could include highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail, and public transportation projects of national and regional significance. It should be noted that DOT will award 50 percent of funding to projects greater than $500 million in cost and 50 percent to projects greater than $100 million but less than $500 million in cost. Mega grants may be used for up to 60 percent of future total eligible project costs. Other Federal assistance may satisfy the non-Mega share requirement, but total Federal assistance for a project receiving a Mega grant may not exceed 80 percent of future total eligible project costs.
• Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program – This program will provide $1.55 billion in competitive grants to fund highway, multimodal freight, and rail projects. Projects must improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance resiliency, and hold the greatest promise to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks and improve critical freight movements. INFRA grants may be used for up to 60 percent of future eligible project costs. Other Federal assistance may satisfy the non-INFRA share requirement, but total Federal assistance for a project receiving an INFRA grant may not exceed 83.57 percent (for projects in California) of future total eligible project costs.
• Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (Rural) – This new program will provide up to $300 million in grants to support projects that improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life.  Eligible projects for RURAL grants include highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve freight, safety, and provide or increase access to an agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the economy of a rural area. Rural grants may be used for up to 80 percent of future eligible project costs. Other Federal assistance may satisfy the non-Rural share requirement for a Rural grant up to 100 percent of project costs.

DOT will be hosting a series of informational webinars with tips on how to apply for this NOFO. More information on upcoming webinars is available here.