The U.S. Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program supports projects to remove connectivity barriers through Community Planning and Capital Construction Grants.
Applications are due by September 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility
Applicant
Community Planning grants are open to:
- State, local, and Tribal governments
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
Capital Construction grants are open to:
- Owners of eligible facilities
- Eligibile Community Planning applicants in cooperation with facility owners
Facility
Highways or other surface transportation facilities that limit community connectivity such as:
- Limited access highways
- Viaducts
- Transit lines
- Rail lines
Funding
Community Planning grants are available for up to $2 million, which can make up no more than 80% of the project cost. Applicants must provide at least 20% of the expenses in matching, non-federal funds.
Capital Construction grants are available for $5 – 100 million, which can make up no more than 50% of the project cost. Additional federal funds may be used to make up an additional 30%; applicants must provide at least 20% in matching, non-federal funds. Grantees who don’t receive their full requested amount will be given a ‘Reconnecting Extra’ designation to facilitate access to additional DOT discretionary funding.
Allowable Activities
Community Planning funds may be used for:
- Public engagement
- Planning and feasibility studies
- Engineering plans
Captial Construction funds may be used for:
- Permitting, including required assessments
- Removing or retrofitting eligible facility
- Building new, replacement facility
- Meaningful community involvement
