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Leveraging funds from all available sources is crucial to developing an effective transportation system for all users. This page will inform local governments and transportation advocates about the funding options available to communities, including:
The funding information listed on this page is tailored to New Jersey. If you are visiting this page from another state, you should confirm details with your state DOT, as requirements may differ from state to state.
This page includes funding programs available to entities within the SJTPO region. Though SJTPO’s funding programs are included, SJTPO is not the main contact for most of these programs. Questions should be directed to the agency that is responsible for managing that program. If you see errors or know of additional programs, please contact us at info@sjtpo.org or (856) 794-1941.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)” was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The law provides $550 billion over fiscal years 2022 through 2026 in new Federal investment in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure, resilience, and broadband.
On the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) website, you can
- Subscribe for IIJA updates,
- See Key Notices of USDOT Funding Opportunities,
- See the list of recently added news items, and
- Research Key topics including Bridges, Climate Resistance, Electric Vehicles, Safety, and Equity.
How SJTPO Can Help
The IIJA also offers a host of funding opportunities for local governments to improve mobility for residents which can bolster local economies and quality of life. As the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, SJTPO has a central role in ensuring that the region can take full advantage of the funding and programs in the IIJA. To be eligible for this funding, all projects will have to be approved by the Policy Board for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
SJTPO can assist in coordinating and helping with grant applications and submissions, including:
- Providing letters of support indicating that proposed activities are consistent with the regional transportation plan, RTP 2050
- Providing data on regional travel or directing applicants to appropriate data sources
- Providing information on related or complementary activities in the region
- Providing assistance on strategies to address planning issues, conduct outreach, and assess equity and environmental impacts.
SJTPO urges local governments or other organizations to contact SJTPO and keep us informed regarding proposed applications for IIJA funding. This will ensure all concerned parties throughout the region can support and coordinate activities and realize the greatest benefits for the region’s residents.
IIJA Updates
There are many new funding programs created as a result of the IIJA. Many of these programs have not yet been fully implemented and are thus not yet available for applications. SJTPO will post updates related to the IIJA here. Check back periodically for more information.
April 21, 2023 – PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program Funding Opportunity – FHWA has released the PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). It is open to all levels of government. Applications are due via grants.gov by August 18, 2023. The program seeks to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters through support of planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk costal infrastructure. FHWA will be hosting two webinars on the NOFO: Monday, May 8, 2023 from 1-2 PM ET ; and Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 1-2 PM ET.
April 21, 2023 – Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Webinars -The U.S. Department of Transportation will host four informational webinars on the SS4A discretionary grant program whose application deadline is Monday, July 10, 2023.
April 4, 2023 – Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program Funding Opportunity – This is a competitive grant program with the goal of reducing Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVCs) while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. The program funds both construction projects, such as building wildlife crossing overpasses or underpasses, and non-construction projects including planning, research, educational activities and analysis of WVC hotspots. The application deadline is August 1, 2023.
March 30, 2023 – Safe Streets and Roads for All, now open for applications– USDOT announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is live and open for applications with a deadline of July 10, 2023. The purpose of SS4A grants is to improve roadway safety by significantly reducing or eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries through safety action plan development and refinement and implementation focused on all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, motorists, personal conveyance and micromobility users, and commercial vehicle operators. This Notice makes available up to $1.1 billion for FY 2023 grants under the program. (Refer to Section D for greater detail on additional funding considerations and Section D.5 for funding restrictions. Page 4 of the NOFO lists some of the substantive differences from last year.)
March 14, 2023: Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program Announced – This is a new competitive grant program to strategically deploy Electric Vehicle charging and other alternative vehicle-fueling infrastructure projects in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities, as well as along designated alternative fuel corridors. It is a $2.5 billion, five-year program. Cities, counties and local governments are eligible to apply. The first round of funding will make $700 million available, with applications due by May 30, 2023. Links to the Notice of Funding Opportunity and webinars scheduled for March 21 and 22 are on the program webpage.
March 14, 2023: Matrix of competitive grant programs – USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have updated this matrix which illustrates grant programs broadly, organized by applicant type, and lists grant programs (rows) which can be matched with the potential applicant (column) the program can fund.
February 17, 2023: Webinar Recording: Preparing for Upcoming DOT Discretionary Grant Opportunities – This February 8 webinar featured staff from across the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) highlighting several resources created to help potential grant applicants to navigate different funding opportunities. This includes tools available on the DOT Navigator – the Department’s one stop shop for technical assistance. The session also spotlighted several funding opportunities at USDOT that are currently accepting applications to expand transportation opportunities to urban, rural, and Tribal communities.
February 1, 2023: The SJTPO region received three Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grants including New Jersey’s only SS4A Implementation grant – U.S. Department of Transportation announced $800 million in grant awards for 510 projects through the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. Nine Action Plan grants went to New Jersey including two in the SJTPO region in Atlantic City and Cape May city. New Jersey received only one SS4A Implementation grant, which was awarded to the City of Vineland for Chestnut Avenue.
January 11, 2023: Anticipated dates for upcoming funding opportunities – USDOT published a list of anticipated dates for upcoming Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for key programs within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as well as related programs. This list is not comprehensive and will be updated periodically with additional programs and revised dates as appropriate.
December 6, 2022 (deadline): Thriving Communities Technical Assistance for IIJA Grants Available – The Thriving Communities program will provide technical assistance, planning, and capacity-building support to support communities in applying for and using IIJA grants. The program is focused on supporting under-resourced and disadvantaged urban, rural, and Tribal communities. A Letter of Intent (LOI) to receive technical assistance must be submitted by December 6 as discussed here. This program is a $30 million collaboration between the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Separately, USDOT is seeking applicants to become technical assistance providers with a deadline of Nov. 22.
October 13, 2022: Action Plan to Accelerate Infrastructure — The White House released a fact sheet in conjunction with its Accelerating Infrastructure Summit to focus attention on, and fast-track, innovation in the delivery of infrastructure investments in America. The plan complements the Permitting Action Plan released in May 2022 by focusing on new approaches and expanding successful efforts to accelerate project planning, design, procurement, and construction.
October 13, 2022: Public Involvement Guide — The USDOT released the guide for funding recipients and partners that conduct public involvement in transportation. It provides promising practices and concrete examples of what constitutes meaningful public involvement to help address the barriers to inclusion in transportation decision-making. It follows through on a commitment to the Department’s Equity Action Plan. More information about the guide and planned training is on this website.
September 19, 2022: Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovative Mobility Deployment (ATTIMD) Program — This NOFO was issued September 19 with a deadline of November 18 for grants to state and local governments and others to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment. This program, also known as Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovation (ATTAIN), includes technologies for improving transportation access; emergency evacuation and response; connected vehicle safety systems; advanced parking reservation or variable pricing systems; integrated corridor management; and more. An information webinar is planned.
September 19, 2022: Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Info — The NOFO for this grant was issued on September 16. The SMART Grants Program funds purpose-driven innovation to build data and technology capacity and expertise for State, local, and Tribal governments. Communities should target their real-world challenges where the use of new technologies and approaches can create benefits. Applications are due November 18.
August 23, 2022: USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have updated its matrix of competitive grant programs. The matrix illustrates grant programs broadly, organized by applicant type, and lists grant programs (rows) which can be matched with the potential applicant (column) the program can fund.
May 19, 2022: Technical Assistance Guide for Infrastructure Resources — The White House released a technical assistance guide to help state and local governments navigate, access, and deploy infrastructure resources in the IIJA. It identifies over $700 million in dedicated funding across more than 65 technical assistance programs. The announcement of the Guide includes links to non-governmental resources and assistance including: Local Infrastructure Hub; Accelerator for America; and Climate Jobs National Resource Center.
April 22, 2022: Summary of Federal Funding for EV Charging Infrastructure — This 16-page publication summarizes the various federal programs that fund and support expansion of electric vehicle charging, focusing on the National Highway System.
April 21, 2022: Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) — This new program provides $6.4 billion in formula funding for states and localities over five years. It will fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources — from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors, to facilitating micro-mobility and biking. Under the CRP, states must also develop carbon reduction strategies in consultation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
March 30, 2022: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Guidance — FHWA has issued a memorandum providing background information and guidance to clarify eligibility, transfer, and other program requirements. The program funds many smaller-scale but critically important multimodal transportation projects at both the State and local levels including pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments, among others. It is a key program for helping states build complete streets.
Federal Programs
Federal programs play a critical role in funding local projects that improve transportation infrastructure in the SJTPO region. These programs are highly competitive and usually provide funding for large-scale projects. Federal transportation funds are awarded through NJDOT or one of the state’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).
In addition, there is a myriad of additional grant and funding opportunities. Additional information is available via the websites, below:
- U.S. Economic Development Administration
- FHWA Highway Funding
- FTA Competitive and Formula Grant Award Programs
- Grants.gov
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Overview of Highway Provisions (dot.gov)
- NJIT Brownfields Assistance Center
Highway and Multimodal Programs
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside) Program (formerly known as the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Transportation Enhancements (TE) program) is designed to develop a more livable and environmentally friendly community through alternative modes of transportation such as biking and walking. The program is administered by NJDOT in partnership with the state’s regional MPOs. Each MPO reviews grants for their respective regions.
Projects eligible for TA Set-Aside grants include the design and construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, conversion of rail corridors to trails, community improvement such as scenic areas, streetscaping, and preservation or rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities, as well as environmental mitigation, and reduction in vehicular wildlife mortality and wildlife restoration. NJDOT provides the Design Assistance Program for those applying to TA Set-Aside.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: None (in New Jersey)
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies, Regional Transportation Authorities, Natural Resource or Public Land Agencies, Tribal Governments
Project Category:
Trails, Rails-to-Trails, scenic areas, Historic rehabilitation, Community Improvement, Environmental Mitigation, Wildlife Restoration
Project Activities:
Design, Construction, Construction Inspection
The Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grant Program (SRTS) is dedicated to projects that make it safe for children to walk or bike to school. Projects must be located within two miles of a K-12 (formerly K-8) school.
Infrastructure projects eligible for funding include the design and construction of sidewalks, crosswalks and signals, traffic-calming measures, and bicycle facilities. Under IIJA, SRTS was reestablished as a separate program.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: None (in New Jersey)
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities, Schools, School Districts
Project Category:
ADA-compliant sidewalks, bike paths, striping, lighting, signals, traffic calming improvements, etc.
Project Activities:
Design, Construction, Construction Inspection
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program funds transportation projects that improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. The program is administered by the regional MPOs. Bicycle and pedestrian projects with a transportation purpose are good candidates for funding through CMAQ.
This program takes a data-driven approach to help ensure a positive impact on air quality in the region. Applicants must demonstrate the quantifiable impact their project will have on air quality. SJTPO is available to assist with this analysis if needed. Due to its complexity, the regional MPOs require a minimum proposal of $250,000 for construction projects.
CMAQ provides funds for a wide range of projects including bicycle and pedestrian facilities, education and outreach campaigns, vehicle purchase and retrofitting, and many others, which are listed on SJTPO’s CMAQ page. Applications are submitted directly to SJTPO
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), & the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Match: None (in New Jersey)
Eligible Applicants:
Municipalities, Counties, Non-Profits, Private Entities
Project Category:
Numerous – must be focused on reducing emissions in the region
Project Activities:
Construction
The Local Safety Program supports the construction of data-driven safety improvements on county and local roadways, funded using Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). HSIP is dedicated to reducing fatalities and serious injuries along public roads, including county and local roads.
The application process for the Local Safety Program is data-driven. Proposals must demonstrate a location’s crash history, using multi-year data, and clearly show how the proposed improvements will address an identified safety issue, including a benefit-cost analysis. Projects can only be funded if they appear on one of the network screening lists or demonstrate a comparable safety issue using recent crash data. FHWA Proven Safety Countermeasures are highly encouraged for use in HSIP projects.
The High-Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) is a component of HSIP that addresses safety problems on rural major collectors, rural minor collectors, or rural local roadways, with a crash rate that exceeds the statewide average for their functional class. A project’s location must be on the HRRP network screening list. Applications are submitted directly to SJTPO
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: None (in New Jersey)
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Safety-Focused Intersections, Bicycle and Pedestrian, and Corridor Improvements
Project Activities:
All phases of a project, including Design, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Construction, and Construction Inspection
The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP), also known as the Local Lead Program, is intended to provide an opportunity for the MPO subregions to apply for federal funding for the advancement of projects through design, right-of-way, and/or construction.
The STBGP funding may be used on highway, bridge, or transit capital projects, planning and research programs, and a variety of other eligible project types.
Project requests are submitted to SJTPO by subregions during open solicitations for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: None (in New Jersey)
Eligible Applicants:
MPO Subregions
Project Category:
Roads, Bridges
Project Activities:
Design, Right-of-Way, Construction
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds the development and maintenance of trails, including bicycle paths. Project costs may be funded up to an 80% federal share with a 20% local match. This grant is administered by NJDEP.
RTP is appropriate for smaller projects, or portions of projects, that do not require a substantial amount of funding. The maximum RTP funding award is $24,000.
Applications are submitted directly to NJDEP.
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
Federal, States, Counties, Municipalities, Non-Profits
Project Category:
Trails, Trail Maintenance
Project Activities:
Construction, Trail Restoration, and Development
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for public facilities, including road resurfacing, crosswalks, streetlights, traffic/pedestrian signals, barrier removal for handicap accessibility (e.g., sidewalks, curb ramps), and street furniture.
The annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) appropriation is allocated between states and local jurisdictions called “non-entitlement” and “entitlement” communities respectively. Entitlement communities are comprised of central cities of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs); metropolitan cities with populations of at least 50,000; and qualified urban counties with a population of 200,000 or more (excluding the populations of entitlement cities). States distribute CDBG funds to non-entitlement localities not qualified as entitlement communities.
Entitled community applicants and recipients must maintain active registration with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). See the program website for registration information.
Non-Entitled communities apply to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs using SAGE.
Funding Source:
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Match: Varies
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Road, Bridge, Safety, Bikeways, Pedestrian
Project Activities:
Various
The Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Initiative provides competitive grants for the development of model deployment sites for large-scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment.
Some of the eligible activities include advanced traveler information systems, advanced transportation management systems, advanced public transportation systems, advanced safety systems including vehicle-to-vehicle and other collision avoidance technologies, transportation system performance data collection, analysis and dissemination systems, and advanced mobility and access technologies, such as dynamic ridesharing and information systems to support human services for elderly and disabled individuals.
Applications are submitted to the FHWA through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: 50%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies, MPOs, Research/Academic Institutions, Multi-jurisdictional Groups
Project Category:
Road, Bridge, Safety, Traffic Signal Upgrade, Transit Capital, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Computer Hardware/Software, Communications Equipment, Mobility Management, Transit Center Facility, Bikeways, Pedestrian
Project Activities:
Various
The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. Previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants.
The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors at the State and local levels to obtain funding for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to support through traditional DOT programs. RAISE can fund port and freight rail projects, for example, which play a critical role in our ability to move freight but have limited sources of Federal funds. RAISE can provide capital funding directly to any public entity, including municipalities, counties, port authorities, tribal governments, MPOs, or others in contrast to traditional Federal programs which provide funding to very specific groups of applicants (mostly State DOTs and transit agencies).
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Match: 20% unless the project is in a rural area, a historically disadvantaged community, or an area of persistent poverty
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Authorities, Transit Agencies, Tribal Governments
Project Category:
Large scale Road, Rail, Port
Project Activities:
Construction
The Safe Streets and Roads from All (SS4A) Grant Program is a nationwide competitive program designed to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
The program supports two primary activities: the development of comprehensive safety action plans, and the implementation of projects identified in the safety action plans.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
MPOs, Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies, Tribal Governments, Multi-jurisdictional Groups
Project Category:
Safety Action Plan, Safety Projects from Safety Action Plan
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Right-of-Way, Construction
The INFRA grant program funding is made available under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that will allow applicants to use one application to apply for up to three separate discretionary grant opportunities, the Mega Grant, INFRA Grant, and Rural Surface Transportation Grant.
INFRA (known statutorily as the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects) awards competitive grants for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple programs, to maximize their potential of receiving Federal support. Applicants for the MPDG will be considered across all three programs unless they opt-out.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Match: 40% (other federal funds may cover an additional 20%)
Eligible Applicants:
States, MPOs, Counties, Municipalities, Special Districts, Federal Land Management Agencies, Tribal Governments, Multi-jurisdictional Groups
Project Category:
Freight, Highways or Bridges on NHS, Rail Highway grade separation, Wildlife Crossing
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Property Acquisition, Construction, Various
The Mega Program funding is made available under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that will allow applicants to use one application to apply for up to three separate discretionary grant opportunities, the Mega Grant, INFRA Grant, and Rural Surface Transportation Grant.
The Mega Program (known statutorily as the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program) will support large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple programs, to maximize their potential of receiving Federal support. Applicants for the MPDG will be considered across all three programs unless they opt out.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Match: 40% (other federal funds may cover an additional 20%)
Eligible Applicants:
States, MPOs, Counties, Municipalities, Special Districts, Authorities, Tribal Governments
Project Category:
Highways or Bridges on the National Multimodal Freight Network, the National Highway Freight Network, or the NHS, Freight intermodal, Ports, Freight Rail, Rail Highway grade separation, Transit
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Property Acquisition, Construction, Various
This program is dedicated to reconnecting communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure. Funding supports planning grants and capital construction grants, as well as technical assistance, to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities.
Planning grants may be used to study the feasibility and impacts of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible facility or to conduct planning activities necessary to design a project to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an existing eligible facility.
Capital construction grants may be used for projects for which all necessary studies and other planning activities have been completed to remove, retrofit, mitigate, or replace an existing eligible facility.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
States, MPOs, Counties, Municipalities, Non-Profits
Project Category:
Roads, Bridges, Railroad, Transit
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Outreach, Construction
The AID Demonstration program provides funding as an incentive for eligible entities to accelerate the implementation and adoption of innovation in highway transportation. The AID Demonstration program is one initiative under the multi-faceted Technology and Innovation Deployment Program (TIDP) approach providing funding and other resources to offset the risk of trying an innovation.
Eligible activities include any phase of a highway transportation project between project planning and project delivery including planning, financing, operation, structures, materials, pavements, environment, and construction.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
Direct: Federal Land Management Agencies, Tribal Governments
Subrecipients: MPOs, Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Roads, Bridges
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Construction
The Bridge Investment Program is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibility to create opportunities for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds.
The program covers bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over bridges, The program seeks to improve the condition of bridges by reducing the number of bridges, and total person miles traveled over bridges, that are in poor condition, that are in fair condition and at risk of falling into poor condition, that do not meet current geometric design standards, or cannot meet the load and traffic requirements typical of the regional transportation network.
In addition, Large Bridge Projects, which include projects more than $100 million are eligible for multiyear grants, in which DOT can award available funds to a project over the course of several years by an agreement and in alignment with its schedule.
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: 20% (50% for Large Bridge Projects (over $100M), 10% for Off-System Bridges)
Eligible Applicants:
States, MPOs, Counties, Municipalities, Authorities, Federal Land Management Agencies, Tribal Governments, Multi-jurisdictional Groups
Project Category:
Bridges (replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection)
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Right-of-Way, Construction
The Rural Surface Transportation grant program funding is made available under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that will allow applicants to use one application to apply for up to three separate discretionary grant opportunities, the Mega Grant, INFRA Grant, and Rural Surface Transportation Grant.
The Mega Program (known statutorily as the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program) will support large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits.
INFRA (known statutorily as the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects) awards competitive grants for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas.
The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program will support projects to 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, generate regional economic growth, and improve quality of life.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple programs, to maximize their potential of receiving Federal support. Applicants for the MPDG will be considered across all three programs unless they opt out.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
States, MPOs, Counties, Municipalities, Tribal Governments, Multi-jurisdictional Groups
Project Category:
Highways, bridges, or tunnels that are eligible for the NHPP, STBGP, or Tribal Transportation Program; highway safety, highway or bridge projects that support rural economies, integrated mobility or transportation demand management systems, on-demand mobility services
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Property Acquisition, Construction, Various
Federal-aid highway funds are available to eligible ferry operations, through the State transportation agencies, for designing and constructing ferry boats and for designing, acquiring right-of-way, constructing ferry terminal facilities, including ferry maintenance facilities, and other activities as described in the FBP Implementation Guidance. Ferry boats and terminal facilities that serve vehicular travel as links on public highways (other than Interstate highways), as well as ferry boats and terminals only serving passengers as a fixed route transit facility, may be eligible for certain types of Federal-aid highway funding.
Eligible ferry operations can replace/acquire new ferry boats or propulsion systems, update navigational control systems; construct new terminals, improve access for the disabled, and replace/construct new docking facilities.
Funding Source:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Match: N/A
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible Ferry Operators
Project Category:
Ferry Boats, Ferry Facilities
Project Activities:
Design, Construction, Ferry Boat Acquisition, Navigation Systems
Transit Programs
The Urbanized Area Formula Funding program (49 U.S.C. 5307) makes federal resources available to urbanized areas and to governors for transit capital and operating assistance in urbanized areas and for transportation-related planning. An urbanized area is an incorporated area with a population of 50,000 or more that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
For urbanized areas with 200,000 in population and over, funds are apportioned and flow directly to a designated recipient selected locally to apply for and receive Federal funds. For urbanized areas under 200,000 in population, the funds are apportioned to the governor of each state for distribution.
Eligible activities include planning, engineering, design, and evaluation of transit projects and other technical transportation-related studies; capital investments in bus and bus-related activities such as replacement, overhaul and rebuilding of buses, crime prevention and security equipment, and construction of maintenance and passenger facilities; and capital investments in new and existing fixed guideway systems including rolling stock, overhaul and rebuilding of vehicles, track, signals, communications, and computer hardware and software. In addition, associated transit improvements and certain expenses associated with mobility management programs are eligible under the program. All preventive maintenance and some Americans with Disabilities Act complementary paratransit service costs are considered capital costs.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 10%/20%
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies
Project Category:
Safety, Transit Capital, Vehicles, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Computer Hardware/Software, Communications Equipment, Mobility Management, Transit Center Facility, Transit Operating, Planning
Project Activities:
Planning, Engineering, Design, studies, Capital Investments, Computer Hardware and Software.
The Passenger Ferry Grant program (49 U.S.C. 5307(h)) is a subset of the general 5307 Program that provides competitive funding for projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas. These funds constitute a core investment in the enhancement and revitalization of public ferry systems in the nation’s urbanized areas. Funds are awarded based on factors such as the age and condition of existing ferry boats, terminals, and related infrastructure; benefits to riders, such as increased reliability; project readiness; and connectivity to other modes of transportation.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 10-20%
Eligible Applicants:
Designated Recipients, Eligible Direct Recipients of Section 5307, States, Tribal Governments
Project Category:
Equipment, Infrastructure
Project Activities:
Repair and Modernize Ferry Boasts, Terminals, and Related Facilities and Equipment.
The Capital Investment Grant (CIG), or Section 5309, is FTA’s primary grant program for funding major transit capital investments including heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars, and bus rapid transit. It is a discretionary grant program and requires projects seeking CIG funding to complete a series of steps over several years to be eligible for funding.
For New Starts and Core Capacity projects, the law requires completion of two phases in advance of receipt of a construction grant agreement – Project Development and Engineering. For Small Starts projects, the law requires completion of one phase in advance of receipt of a construction grant agreement – Project Development.
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies, Port Authorities
Project Category:
Road, Bridge, Transit Capital, Vehicles, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Transit Center Facility
Project Activities:
Design and construction
This program (49 U.S.C. 5310) provides formula funding to states to assist private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities when the transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meet these needs. Funds are apportioned based on each state’s share of the population for these two groups. Formula funds are apportioned to direct recipients; for rural and small urban areas, this is the state Department of Transportation, while in large urban areas, a designated recipient is chosen by the governor.
This is a federally funded program administered in New Jersey by NJ TRANSIT. While there is an annual solicitation for Section 5310 projects, it is not ongoing. Solicitation of Section 5310 funding typically occurs in October or November for that fiscal year.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 10-20%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Non-Profits, Transit Agencies
Project Category:
Transit Vehicles, Transit Services, Travel Training
Project Activities:
Transit Operations, Transit Services
The Formula Grants for Rural Areas or Section 5311 program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000. In New Jersey there are seventeen designated rural areas based upon county boundaries. NJ TRANSIT will make funds available to each of the designated coordinated transportation providers, municipalities, where applicable, or other interested parties.
Eligible recipients include states and federally recognized Indian Tribes. Subrecipients may include state or local government authorities, nonprofit organizations, and operators of public transportation or intercity bus service.
Eligible activities include planning, capital, operating, job access and reverse commute projects, and the acquisition of public transportation services.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20-50%
Eligible Applicants:
Direct: States, Tribal Governments
Subrecipients: Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies, Authorities, Non-Profits
Project Category:
Transit Capital, Vehicles, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Computer Hardware/Software, Communications Equipment, Mobility Management, Transit Center Facility, Transit Operating, Planning
Project Activities:
Planning, Operating, Transportation Services
This program provides funding to develop innovative products and services assisting transit agencies in better meeting the needs of their customers.
Eligible recipients may include universities, public transportation systems, state DOTs, and non-profit and for-profit entities, amongst others.
Eligible Activities include research, development, demonstration and deployment projects, and evaluation of technology of national significance to public transportation.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match:
Federal Share may be up to 100%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Transit Agencies, Universities, Non-Profits, For-Profits, Various
Project Category:
Intelligent Transportation Systems, Computer Hardware/Software, Communications Equipment, Mobility Management
Project Activities:
Research and Development, Demonstration and Deployment Projects
The Mobility on Demand (MOD) Sandbox Demonstration Program is a subset of the Section 5312 Program. Funds projects that promote innovative business models to deliver high-quality, seamless, and equitable mobility options for all travelers.
This initiative is to explore strategies to improve people’s mobility and access to daily needs and evaluate outcomes and impacts on individuals and communities. FTA’s efforts aim to support an equitable, integrated transportation system that meets transportation needs for low-income individuals and/or communities of need.
Eligible Activities are those that lead to the establishment of a research and demonstration program that will explore interventions to ensure mobility access and evaluate outcomes and impacts.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
NA
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Data Collection, Studies, Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach, Equipment, Hardware, Software
The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) is a subset of the Section 5312 Program that serves as a research program that develops near-term, practical solutions to problems faced by transit agencies. It promotes effectiveness and efficiency in the public transportation industry.
The TCRP conducts research designed to solve operational problems, adopt useful technologies from related industries, and introduce innovation that provides better customer service.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Colleges and Universities, Federal Laboratories, Transit Agencies, MPOs, Non-Profits, For-Profits
Project Category:
Safety, Planning
Project Activities:
Research Service Provided, Transit Security Guidelines, Rail and Bus Certification Programs
This program provides funding for technical assistance programs and activities that improve the management and delivery of public transportation and the development of the transit industry workforce.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
Federal, States, MPOs, Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies, Non-Profits
Project Category:
Transit Capital, Transit Operating
Project Activities:
Public Transportation Services, Workforce Development
The Human Resources & Training, or Section 5314(b) program provides grants for human resource and workforce development programs as they apply to public transportation activities. Such programs may include Employment training; An outreach program to increase minority and female employment in public transportation activities; Research on public transportation personnel and training needs; and Training and assistance for minority business opportunities.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20-50%
Eligible Applicants:
Colleges and Universities
Project Category:
Human Resources Training
Project Activities:
Training and Development, Workforce Development, Outreach, Research
The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program was established to address the unique transportation challenges faced by welfare recipients and low-income persons seeking to obtain and maintain employment. Many new entry-level jobs are located in suburban areas, and individuals with low incomes have difficulty accessing these jobs from their inner city, urban, or rural neighborhoods. In addition, many entry level-jobs require working late at night or on weekends when conventional transit services are either reduced or non-existent. Finally, many employment-related trips are complex and involve multiple destinations including reaching childcare facilities or other services.
Section 5316 funds are apportioned among the recipients by a formula that is based on the ratio that the number of eligible low-income and welfare recipients in each such area bears to the number of eligible low-income and welfare recipients in all such areas.
This is a federally funded program administered in New Jersey by NJ TRANSIT. While there is an annual solicitation for Section 5316 projects, it is not ongoing. Solicitation of Section 5316 funding typically occurs in the spring of that fiscal year.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Non-Profits, Transit Agencies, Private Transit Operators
Project Category:
Transit Vehicles, Transit Services, Travel Training
Project Activities:
Capital, planning, and operating expenses
This program provides funds for protecting, repairing, and/or replacing public transportation equipment and facilities that may suffer or have suffered serious damage due to an emergency. It can also fund evacuations, rescue operations, and emergency recovery.
The program can fund capital projects to protect, repair, or replace facilities or equipment that are in danger of suffering serious damage, or have suffered serious damage due to an emergency. The program can also fund the operating costs of evacuation, rescue operations, temporary public transportation service, or reestablishing, expanding, or relocating service before, during, or after an emergency.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies, Authorities
Project Category:
Road, Bridge, Safety, Traffic Signal Upgrade, Transit Capital, Vehicles, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Computer Hardware/Software, Communications Equipment, Transit Center Facility, Transit Operating Planning, Resilience Efforts
Project Activities:
Various-Repair of Transit Equipment, Facilities
This program provides funding for maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of existing high-intensity fixed guideway and high-intensity motorbus systems to maintain a state of good repair. Additionally, State of Good Repair (SGR) grants are eligible for developing and implementing Transit Asset Management plans.
SGR Grants funds are available for projects to replace and rehabilitate rolling stock, track, line equipment and structures, signals and communications, power equipment and substations, passenger stations and terminals, security equipment and systems, maintenance facilities and equipment, operational support equipment, including computer hardware and software; as well as implement transit asset management plans.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies
Project Category:
Road, Bridge, Safety, Traffic Signal Upgrade, Transit Capital, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Computer Hardware/Software, Transit Center Facility, Planning
Project Activities:
Replace and Rehabilitate Infrastructure, and Equipment
The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program (49 U.S.C. 5339) makes federal resources available to states and directs recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities.
Funding is provided through formula allocations and competitive grants. A sub-program, the Low- or No-Emission Vehicle Program, provides competitive grants for bus and bus facility projects that support low and zero-emission vehicles.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Transit Agencies
Project Category:
Transit Capital, Vehicles, Transit Center Facility
Project Activities:
Rehabilitate and Purchase vehicles, Construct or Modify Transit Facilities.
The Low or No Emission Vehicle Deployment (LoNo) Program provides funding for capital acquisitions and leases of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses. Also includes funding for the acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities such as recharging, refueling, and maintenance facilities.
Additionally, 0.5% of a request may be for workforce development training and an additional 0.5% may be for training at the National Transit Institute (NTI). Applicants for zero-emission vehicles must also spend 5% of their award on workforce development and training as outlined in their Zero-Emission Transition Plan unless the applicant certifies that their financial need is less.
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 10-15%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Tribal Governments
Project Category:
Transit Capital, Vehicles, Transit Center Facilities
Project Activities:
Vehicle Purchase / Leasing, Facility Acquisition, Construction, Leasing
The Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) strives to test new and innovative methods of coordinating human service transportation. One way the CCAM accomplishes this goal is through pilot program grants. The approach has enabled the CCAM to support projects that meet a range of human service transportation needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals of low income while also testing new technologies and services.
These efforts include the following pilot programs:
- Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (2016-Current)
- Veterans Transportation Community Living Initiative (2011-2012)
- Mobility Services for All Americans (2005-2018)
- United We Ride (2004)
FTA’s Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) is FTA’s system for awarding and managing grants and cooperative agreements. For more information, please visit the TrAMS page and sign up for email updates.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration
Match: Varies
Eligible Applicants:
Various
Project Category:
Safety, Transit Capital, Vehicles, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Computer Hardware/Software, Communications Equipment, Mobility Management
Project Activities:
Various
There is competitive funding for § 5307 and § 5311 recipients and subrecipients that need additional assistance because of COVID
- FTA will publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity,
- Project selections will be announced on FTA’s website,
- Funds under this program will be available only for operating expenses,
- Recipients will be selected based on financial need. Eligible recipients will have expended at least 90% of their CARES Act funding.
Competitive Planning grants under § 5307
- FTA will publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Funds will be made available for planning of public transportation associated with the restoration of services as the coronavirus public health emergency concludes.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Various
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Operations
FTA’s Technical Assistance and Workforce Development Program funds technical assistance projects through national nonprofit organizations across several areas to improve public transportation. These nonprofit partners and the work they do play a critical role in supporting public transit agencies to improve accessibility, accelerate innovative mobility practices and strategies, support rural communities, and leverage new transit technologies.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Non-Profits
Match: Various
Eligible Applicants:
Transit Agencies
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Various
This program funds projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.
Eligible projects include:
- Deployment of railroad safety technology
- Capital projects for intercity passenger rail service
- Capital projects that reduce congestion and facilitate ridership growth
- Improve short-line or regional railroad infrastructure
- Highway-rail grade crossing
- Rail line relocation and improvement projects
- Regional rail and corridor service development plans and environmental analyses
- Enhance multimodal connections
- safety programs
- Research, workforce development, and training
Applications must be submitted via www.Grants.gov.
Funding Source:
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Match: May be as low as 0%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Rail Carriers, Research/Academic Institutions, Non-Profits, Tribal Governments, Various
Project Category:
Rail
Project Activities:
Capital, Equipment, Design, Studies, Workforce Training
The TIFIA program provides credit assistance for qualified projects of regional and national significance. Many large-scale, surface transportation projects – highway, transit, railroad, intermodal freight, and port access – are eligible for assistance. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, transit agencies, railroad companies, special authorities, special districts, and private entities.
Historically, TIFIA has been a useful tool for large, complex transportation infrastructure projects that needed low-cost financing. With TIFIA Lite, experienced borrowers with strong credit and small, shovel-ready projects can access an expedited application process
Funding Source:
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Match: Not Applicable (Loan Program)
Eligible Applicants:
Public or Publicly Sponsored Entity
Project Category:
Highway, Transit, Railroad, Freight, Ports
Project Activities:
Finance
The All Stations Accessibility Program provides competitive funding to assist in the financing of capital projects to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate infrastructure of stations or facilities for passenger use, including load-bearing members that are an essential part of the structural frame; or for planning projects to develop or modify a plan for pursuing public transportation accessibility projects, assessments of accessibility, or assessments of planned modifications to stations or facilities for passenger use.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
States or local governmental entities that operate legacy rail fixed guideway public transportation systems
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Planning, Construction
FTA’s Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) Program supports projects that address the transportation challenges faced by areas of persistent poverty. In encouraging timely and efficient investment in public transportation, the AoPP program supports the President’s Build Back Better initiative to mobilize American ingenuity to build modern infrastructure and an equitable, clean energy future. AoPP supports increased transit access for environmental justice populations, equity-focused community outreach, and public engagement of underserved communities.
AoPP promotes planning, engineering, and technical studies or financial planning to improve transit services in areas experiencing long-term economic distress. It will also support coordinated human service transportation planning to improve transit service or provide new services such as rides to drug addiction recovery and treatment.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 10%
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible Recipients or Sub-Recipients Under Sections 5307, 5310, or 5311
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Planning, Engineering
FTA’s Bus Exportable Power Systems (BEPS) program enables public transportation agencies, communities, and states to access resilient and flexible power options through hybrid electric bus fleet vehicles during major power disruptions. This program builds on BEPS technologies developed under FTA’s previous research grants that provided the ability to address a need for generating power immediately after natural disasters by transforming hybrid electric and fuel cell buses into mobile power generators.
The goals are to develop national interoperable BEPS standards – working with FTA, industry stakeholders, and technical partners – so that different manufacturers’ systems can use the same technology base and applications for BEPS solutions.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Transit Agencies, Non-Profits, For-Profits, Consultants, States, Counties, Municipalities, MPOs, Research/Academic Institutions, Multijurisdictional Groups, Various
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Specifications and Standards Development, Outreach
The EPD Pilot Program, authorized by Section 3005(b) of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), is aimed at expediting the delivery of new fixed guideway capital projects, small starts projects, or core capacity improvement projects. These projects must utilize public-private partnerships, be operated and maintained by employees of an existing public transportation provider, and have a federal share not exceeding 25 percent of the project cost.
The EPD Pilot Program streamlines project delivery of new transit infrastructure that meets program requirements. It encourages innovative partnerships and funding so projects can be completed more quickly.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 75%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Capital Projects, Core Improvements, Right of Way, Rolling Stock
The Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program provides competitive funding for projects that support the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferries and the electrification of or other reduction of emissions from existing ferries.
Eligible Recipients – Any eligible designated or direct recipient of FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Program (Section 5307) or Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) may apply.
Eligible Activities include capital projects such as the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems and related charging infrastructure to reduce emissions or produce zero onboard emissions under normal operation.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
Section 5307 & 5311 Recipients
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Capital
This program provides funding through a competitive allocation process to states and transit agencies to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. The competitive allocation provides funding for major improvements to bus transit systems that would not be achievable through formula allocations.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Designated Recipients That Allocate Funds to Fixed-Route Bus Operators
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Facilities, Vehicles, Equipment
Funds a research and demonstration effort to improve people’s access to affordable transportation, especially in areas that currently lack efficient and convenient transit options and measures the effect of reducing transportation insecurity through improved mobility access on people and their communities.
The Mobility, Access & Transportation Insecurity: Creating Links to Opportunity Research and Demonstration program lead will support FTA in establishing an initiative to explore strategies to improve people’s mobility and access to daily needs and evaluate outcomes and impacts upon individuals and communities. FTA’s efforts aim to support an equitable, integrated transportation system that meets transportation needs for low-income individuals and/or communities of need.
Funding Source:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Government Departments / Agencies, Colleges and Universities, Non-Profits, For-Profits
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Planning, engineering, public engagement, capital or operating expenses
Local governments are eligible to compete for this new competitive grant to fund highway-rail or pathway-rail crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people and goods. This program supports projects that improve safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, and climate and sustainability, consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) strategic goals.
In addition to improving safety, the program funds projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are designed with specific elements to address climate change impacts. The program also supports projects that address environmental justice, particularly for communities that disproportionally experience climate change-related consequences.
Grants will not be awarded for amounts less than $1 million except for planning projects.
Funding Source:
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Match: 20%
Eligible Applicants:
States, Counties, Municipalities, Port Authorities, MPOs, Tribal Governments
Project Category:
Grade separation or closing of a rail crossing, track relocations, safety improvements at crossings, various
Project Activities:
Planning, Design, Construction
State Programs
New Jersey provides dedicated state funding for infrastructure improvements through its Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). The trust fund supports a wide range of funding programs to counties and municipalities for public road and bridge improvements. These include programs such as Municipal and County Aid, Bikeways, Transit Village, and Safe Streets to Transit. Funds from state grants are a great way to implement smaller-scale projects, such as building a stronger bicycle and pedestrian network. State programs do not have as many administrative requirements and are typically easier to administer when compared to Federal grants.
In addition, there is a myriad of additional grant and funding opportunities. Additional information is available via the websites, below:
The NJDOT Bikeways Grant Program promotes bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation and helps further New Jersey’s goal of creating 1,000 new miles of dedicated bike paths. These funds can also be used for the preliminary and final design of bicycle facilities in municipalities that are eligible for Urban Aid.
The construction of separated bicycle facilities is given priority in the selection process; however, the proposed construction of any bicycle facility will be considered for funding. Proposals are also evaluated based on the creation of new bikeway mileage, connectivity to existing bikeways, and community support.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Bikeways
Project Activities:
Design, Construction
Municipal Aid is a state grant funded through the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). The grant is provided to municipalities to supplement their transportation programs.
Projects funded by the grant must fall within seven categories, four of which can be used to implement bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. These categories are pedestrian safety improvements, construction of bikeways, quality of life improvements, and roadway safety. Though the grant is mainly used to implement road resurfacing programs, municipalities are encouraged to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure into these projects and maximize the effectiveness of the Municipal Aid program at a low cost.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Municipalities
Project Category:
Pedestrian Safety, Quality of Life, Bikeways, Road Safety, Road Preservation, Bridge Preservation, Mobility
Project Activities:
Design, Construction
County Aid is a state grant disbursed to all New Jersey counties to complete projects improving roads and infrastructure within their Annual Transportation Program (ATP). The ATP is an annual list of transportation projects that are eligible for funding within the county.
County Aid funds are appropriated by the Legislature annually for the improvement of public roads and bridges under county jurisdiction. Public transportation and other transportation projects are also included.
As with Municipal Aid, County Aid is often used for routine roadway resurfacing and re-striping. County Aid funds are distributed on a formulaic basis.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
|New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Counties
Project Category:
Public Transportation, Road Improvements, Bridge Repair
Project Activities:
Design, Construction
The New Jersey Department of Transportation administers the Local Aid Infrastructure Fund (LAIF) to address emergency and regional needs throughout the state. Projects are selected as needed by the Commissioner of NJDOT. Applications for funding can be submitted on a rolling basis since projects are administered as needed.
Consideration is given to projects that are needed due to unforeseen circumstances such as safety improvements to critical bike and pedestrian locations, emergency bridge repair, and drainage failure.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Road Improvements, Bridge Repair, Pedestrian Safety, Bikeways
Project Activities:
Design, Construction
Safe Streets to Transit (SSTT) is an element of NJDOT’s comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Initiative.
This program provides funding to counties and municipalities in improving access to transit facilities and all nodes of public transportation. The objectives of the SSTT program are:
- To improve the overall safety and accessibility for mass transit riders walking to transit facilities.
- To encourage mass transit users to walk to transit stations.
- To facilitate the implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety in the vicinity of transit facilities (approximately one-half mile for pedestrian improvements).
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Municipalities
Project Category:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects
Project Activities:
Design, Construction
The Transit Village program provides funding to municipalities designated as Transit Villages by NJDOT and the inter-agency Transit Village Task Force.
Municipalities that demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing the area surrounding transit facilities into mixed-use neighborhoods are great candidates to pursue the Transit Village designation. Only designated Transit Villages are eligible to receive the grant. Examples of eligible projects include the replacement of curbs and sidewalks, installation of LED lighting, and creating signage to promote a bus terminal. These elements improve safety and security for those walking and biking to transit.
Any municipality interested in being designated a Transit Village should contact NJDOT’s district office.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Municipalities
Project Category:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects, Non-Traditional Projects.
Project Activities:
Design, Construction
he New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), Local Bridges Future Needs program provides funds for the improvement of county jurisdiction bridges. As part of its Statewide Capital Investment Strategy, the NJDOT is focusing on preventive maintenance, rehabilitation, and selective replacement of bridges. This program was initiated in recognition of funding needs that go beyond what is currently available at the local level.
It is recommended that applicants consult with the Manager of the Bureau of Structural Engineering to determine project eligibility for funding. Additional detailed information can be found in the Local Bridges Program Handbook.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Counties
Project Category:
Bridges
Project Activities:
Maintenance, Rehabilitation, and Replacement
The Local Freight Impact Fund (LFIF) Grant Program is established to assist counties and local municipalities with the mitigation of impacts on the local transportation system associated with the State’s freight industry.
The LFIF is a competitive grant program. Projects submitted for consideration must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must demonstrate that the project will provide access to a port, warehouse distribution center, or any other freight node by providing a narrative and a map supporting their request
- Projects must have a minimum 10% Large Truck Volume within the project limits. A traffic study must be submitted to support this information
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Roads, Bridges, Systems,
Project Activities:
Pavement or Bridge Preservation, Truck Safety & Mobility, Construction
Subject to funding appropriation, the Local Transportation Projects Fund is established to address specific focused local transportation issues throughout the State.
All proposals for funding are approved at the discretion of the Commissioner. Approved projects are administered within the same guidelines as Municipal Aid.
Applications are submitted using the New Jersey SAGE System
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Roads, Bridges, Systems
Project Activities:
Various
This is a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)-administered program with the intent to protect public and private property and infrastructure from coastal storm damage, erosion and shoreline migration, and sea-level rise. Projects include beach replenishment and construction and maintenance of bulkheads, jetties, and seawalls.
Eligible activities include funding for projects that are associated with the protection, stabilization, restoration, or maintenance of the shore, including monitoring studies and land acquisition, and must be consistent with the current New Jersey Shore Protection Master Plan and Coastal Zone Management Program.
To learn more about application procedures, contact the program director:
NJDEP Division of Coastal Engineering
1510 Hooper Avenue, Suite 140
Toms River, NJ 08753
PH: (732) 255-0767
Funding Source:
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
Match: 25% of construction cost
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Resilience, Environmental Protection
Project Activities:
Beach replenishment, construction and maintenance of bulkheads, jetties, and seawalls
The Senior Citizen Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program (SCDRTAP) is administered by NJ TRANSIT. By law, an equivalent of 8.5% of the total tax collected on their gaming revenue is set aside for community transportation through this program. Funding is distributed based on each county’s percentage of the State’s total population of persons aged 60 and over.
The Senior Citizen & Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program funds capital, operating, and/or administrative expenses for locally coordinated paratransit services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The program also funds accessibility improvements to NJ TRANSIT’s fixed route bus and rail system, the provision of technical assistance to the counties, and the administration of the statewide program.
Funds are distributed to Counties by NJ Transit.
Funding Source:
NJ TRANSIT
Match: None
Eligible Applicants:
Counties
Project Category:
Transit
Project Activities:
Under the Brownfields Impact Fund, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will make low-interest loans available to for-profit organizations as well as low-interest loans and grant funding available to public sector and non-profit organizations.
These loans/grants will assist with cleanup and other pre-construction activities on brownfield sites throughout the state.
A site’s engineered remediation cap could include foundations/roadways.
Applications are submitted directly to New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Funding Source:
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Match: Fees Apply
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities, Non-Profits, For-Profits
Project Category:
Financing
Project Activities:
Construction
Private Programs
Private and philanthropic funding sources also provide a great opportunity to improve mobility in New Jersey. There are two main sources of private funding:
- Public-private partnerships
- Direct grants from a private institution
Public-Private partnerships include grants administered by public entities, such as MPOs or NJDOT, but funded through private organizations. Sources of private funding can come from development impact fees and grants from private companies and organizations.
In 2017, Wells Fargo and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) launched the Resilient Communities Program, designed to prepare for future environmental challenges by enhancing community capacity to plan and implement resiliency projects and improve the protections afforded by natural ecosystems by investing in green infrastructure and other measures.
Specific funding priorities for this program include:
- High-impact resiliency adaptations to help communities prepare for sea-level rise on the Eastern seaboard
- Community demonstration and capacity-building projects that help communities understand environmental risks and opportunities and organize and take actions to improve local resiliency by enhancing natural buffers and system functions
- Scalable, nature-based resilience solutions benefiting affordable housing and/or small businesses in communities vulnerable to impacts from natural disasters
Grants will be offered once a year to support priority projects in states and communities associated with Wells Fargo operations. Applications are submitted directly to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Funding Source:
Wells Fargo
Match:
Used to leverage other private and public funds
Eligible Applicants:
Counties, Municipalities
Project Category:
Resiliency Projects
Project Activities:
Plan and Implement Resiliency Projects
The William Penn Foundation is committed to the development of accessible and vibrant public spaces, and to protect the Delaware River watershed.
The Foundation has provided funding for trail development in South Jersey. It has funded a wide range of programs, including project design and implementation to marketing and technical assistance.
Application information is available via the William Penn Foundation’s How to Apply webpage.
Funding Source:
William Penn Foundation
Match: None Listed
Eligible Applicants:
Communities
Project Category:
Public Space, Arts, Culture Experiences, Environment
Project Activities:
Design, Implementation, Marketing, Technical Assistance
New Jersey American Water (NJAW) has been a participant in the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) grant. The NRTC program is a privately funded grant that supports the growth of distressed neighborhoods in New Jersey. While the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) administers the program and provides private businesses with an 80 percent tax credit for New Jersey state taxes in return for their investment in eligible low or moderate-income neighborhoods, the program also provides planning grants to support the creation of neighborhood plans.
The Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program (“NRTC”) is now accepting neighborhood plans. The “NRTC Neighborhood Plan Application Guidelines” provides instructions and forms for the preparation and submission of an NRTC neighborhood plan. Eligibility is limited to community-based non-profit organizations with federal 501(c)(3) status. To view and download this document, please visit the NRTC webpage.
Funding Source:
William Penn Foundation
Match: None Listed
Eligible Applicants:
Communities
Project Category:
Public Space, Environment
Project Activities:
Design, Implementation, Marketing, Technical Assistance
Sustainable Jersey strives to connect participating communities with financial and technical resources to complete actions and make progress towards a sustainable future. To that end, we directly offer multiple competitive grants and technical assistance opportunities funded by program underwriters and partner organizations each year. In addition, we maintain a funding database that includes other opportunities offered by a wide range of government agencies, foundations, corporations, and non-profit organizations.
Sustainable Jersey grants not only provide crucial financial support for projects that might otherwise not materialize but also enable towns to complete actions that contribute toward certification. Review the Actions page for ideas on possible projects.
Grant information can be found at:
Grants – Sustainable Jersey
Grants Program: grants@sustainablejersey.com
Funding Source:
Varies Foundations
Match: Varies
Eligible Applicants:
Municipalities
Project Category:
Varies
Project Activities:
Varies
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) provides funding to community institutions looking to improve health in their respective focus areas. One of RWJF’s focus areas is building healthy communities through supporting initiatives that improve the built environment and social determinants of health.
RWJF provides grants for a wide range of activities including planning and demonstration projects, policy analysis, research and evaluations, communication and coalition building, and technical assistance. South Jersey non-profits and municipalities could potentially request funding to support planning efforts directed towards active transportation infrastructure.
Funding Information:
- Current funding opportunities
- Sign up here to receive funding alerts
- Grant FAQs
- Grants Management Department via email or at (877) 843-RWJF (7953)
Funding Source:
Varies
Match: Varies
Eligible Applicants:
Varies, Mostly Non-Profit & Public Agencies
Project Category:
Health, Active Transportation
Project Activities:
Varies
New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program is a statewide program that offers financial incentives, programs, and services for New Jersey residents, business owners, and local governments to help them save energy, money, and the environment.
New Jersey is leading the way in electric vehicle (EV) adoption on the East Coast. The below programs are designed to encourage EV adoption in New Jersey, which is crucial to reaching a 100% clean energy future
- Charge Up New Jersey,
- EV Tourism,
- Clean Fleet EV Incentive Program,
- Approved Chargers and Network Service Providers
For additional information:
- Visit: ChargeUp.NJCleanEnergy.com
- E-mail: chargeupnj@energycenter.org
- Call: 866-NJSMART
Funding Source:
Varies
Match: Not Listed
Eligible Applicants:
Agencies, Counties, Municipalities, Businesses, Residents
Project Category:
Electric Vehicles, Electric Vehicle Charging, Tourism
Project Activities:
Varies
The National Coastal Resilience Fund invests in conservation projects that restore or expand natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, forests, coastal rivers and floodplains, and barrier islands that minimize the impacts of storms and other naturally occurring events on nearby communities.
The National Coastal Resilience Fund is a national program with a regional focus and targets specific circumstances, needs, and priorities. The National Coastal Resilience Fund aims to:
- Benefit coastal communities by reducing the impact of coastal flooding and associated threats to property and key assets, such as hospitals and emergency routes.
- Benefit fish and wildlife by enhancing the ecological integrity and functionality of coastal and inland ecosystems.
Funding Source:
Varies
Match: Not Listed
Eligible Applicants:
Varies
Project Category:
Coastal Flooding, Resiliency, Environmental Protection
Project Activities:
Varies
The New Jersey Green Infrastructure Municipal Toolkit provides a list of many programs and opportunities, ranging from $10,000 to $5 million, that can help fund green infrastructure projects. Sorting by project type, funding type, or eligible activities will narrow your search and make it easier to see and digest what’s available.
Funding Source:
Varies
Match: Not Listed
Eligible Applicants:
Municipalities
Project Category:
Varies
Project Activities:
Varies
The National Coastal Resilience Fund invests in conservation projects that restore or expand natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, forests, coastal rivers and floodplains, and barrier islands that minimize the impacts of storms and other naturally occurring events on nearby communities.
The National Coastal Resilience Fund is a national program with a regional focus and targets specific circumstances, needs, and priorities. The National Coastal Resilience Fund aims to:
- Benefit coastal communities by reducing the impact of coastal flooding and associated threats to property and key assets, such as hospitals and emergency routes.
- Benefit fish and wildlife by enhancing the ecological integrity and functionality of coastal and inland ecosystems.
Funding Source:
Varies
Match: Not Listed
Eligible Applicants:
Varies
Project Category:
Varies
Project Activities:
Varies
There are many programs and opportunities listed on this website, ranging from $10,000 to $5 million, that can help fund green infrastructure projects. The website allows the user to sort by project type, funding type, or eligible activities. Some of the programs have an environmental-transportation connection:
- United States Economic Development Administration
- USDOT INFRA
- Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (public accessibility to watersheds)
Funding Source:
Various
Match:
Various
Eligible Applicants:
Various
Project Category:
Various
Project Activities:
Various
Technical Support
Technical support is available to municipalities during the grant writing and application process. Many organizations in the region provide this service for the planning and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Below is a list of several local, regional, state, and national organizations providing technical support.
Cross County Connection TMA
Cross County Connection is the Transportation Management Association (TMA) for New Jersey’s seven southern counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem. Cross County Connection addresses mobility issues in the region to reduce the number of vehicles on state and local roadways and improve the quality of life in the region. Services provided include assistance to local governments with bicycle and pedestrian planning projects, shuttle bus planning projects, and more.
Cross County Connection is available to assist municipal and county governments with bicycle planning efforts by conducting bicycle and pedestrian crash analyses and safety audits, identifying funding sources for bicycle and pedestrian projects, assisting with the development of Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans, and creating electronic and print bikeway maps utilizing GIS and GPS technology.
Grant Application Assistance: Cross County Connection also provides grant application review services to South Jersey municipalities. If you are a TMA member, Cross County Connection will also provide grant writing assistance.
For more information on how Cross County Connection can assist with bicycle and pedestrian planning, grant assistance, and member services, please call (856) 596-8228.
NJDOT Design Assistance Program
www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/localaid/
NJDOT offers a Design Assistance Program for both TA Set-Aside and SRTS grants. The program makes available consultant services to assist municipalities and counties in the design and development of their project. Recipients of TA Set-Aside and SRTS grants are eligible for this program. NJDOT provides several firms to assist with design.
Using the Design Assistance Program provides extra assistance to smoothly implement federally funded projects. Municipalities and counties will be reimbursed for eligible design costs that do not exceed $430,000 through the program.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides stewardship over the construction, maintenance, and preservation of the Nation’s highways, bridges, and tunnels. FHWA also conducts research and aids state and local agencies to improve safety, mobility, and livability, and encourage innovation. Among their resources are bicycle and pedestrian planning guidance documents to support the implementation of best practices. Guidance documents address planning, design, regulations, funding, traffic control signage, and more.
New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center (NJBPRC)
NJBPRC assists public officials, transportation and health professionals, and the public in creating a safer and more accessible walking and bicycling environment. NJBPRC is managed by the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) and is supported by the NJDOT with funding from FHWA.
New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center
The New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center also assists public officials, transportation and health professionals, and the public in creating a safer and more accessible walking and bicycling environment through research, education, and dissemination of information about best practices
in policy and design. Like NJBPRC, it is managed by VTC and is supported by NJDOT with funding from FHWA.
The New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center works with and coordinates the efforts of the SRTS Regional Coordinators at the state’s eight Transportation Management Associations (TMAs). Cross County Connection is the TMA responsible for South Jersey. The Resource Center’s website is a valuable source of information about the SRTS program in New Jersey.