Earlier this month, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the state’s budget into law which allocates funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The budget, which was passed by the state house and state senate, allocates funding for economic growth, workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure.

Specifically, the budget focuses on allocating funding that will help to grow Pennsylvania's economy:

• $500 Million for Site Development and Permitting Reform: The Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program will provide grants or loans to developers and local government agencies to develop sites that will attract business and help to create jobs. There will also be a streamlined process for businesses to apply for certain air, water, and land disturbance permits.

Additionally, the budget also allocates funding for public transit and infrastructure programs:

• Public Transit Funding: About $80 million will be allocated for public transit agencies, ensuring continued service and reliability for Pennsylvanians who rely on it daily. Specifically, Pittsburgh Regional Transit will receive about $12 million.

The US Department of Transportation has issued a NOFO for its Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program (RCP). The RCP focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, as well as fostering equitable development and restoration, along with providing technical assistance to further these goals. Up to $607 million is available for planning, capital construction, and technical assistance. Applications are due by September 30. Potential applicants that are interested in pursuing a reconnecting type project but are not prepared to submit funding requests within 90 days can submit a request for technical assistance through the Reconnecting Communities Institute. Many reconnecting projects are also eligible for funding under formula programs or eligible discretionary grant programs. Additional information can be found on DOT's Discretionary Grants Dashboard.

The PA DCED’s Alternative and Clean Energy (ACE) Program provides grants and loans to promote the development of alternative and clean energy projects, infrastructure associated with compressed or liquified natural gas, and energy efficiency and conservation projects. Businesses, economic development organizations, and municipalities, counties, or school districts are eligible to apply, but projects must not begin before the approval of funding. Funding is available through grants and loans; alternative energy production or clean energy projects can receive loans up to $5 million or 50 percent of total project cost, whichever is less, and grants up to $2 million or 30 percent of total project cost. There is a matching investment requirement of at least $1 for every $1 of program funds awarded. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee due at the time of submission made payable to the CFA. There is a one percent commitment fee on all approved loans. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis as loan funds are repaid. Click here to learn more.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a rolling NOFO for the Bridge Project and Planning Project portions of the Bridge Investment Program (BIP). Bridge Project Grants are available for bridges with total eligible project costs up to $100 million, with minimum grant awards of $2.5 million, and maximum grant awards of 80% of total eligible project costs. Planning Project grant applications are available for planning, feasibility analyses, and revenue forecasting associated with the development of a project that would subsequently be eligible to apply for assistance under BIP in the future. For FY 2025 funding, Planning Applications are due October 1, and BIP Bridge Project Grant applications are due November 1. Click here to learn more.

In September, the FHWA issued a rolling NOFO for the Large Bridge Project portion of the BIP. Applications for Large Bridge Project Grants (>$100mil) will be accepted through August 1 for consideration of FY 2025 funds. Click here to learn more.

The US Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant has issued a NOFO. This discretionary grant program funds infrastructure grants to community charging and fueling programs and alternative fuel corridor grants to support the strategic deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along public roads. Applications must be received by August 28. Click here to learn more.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) provides discretionary grants to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation, personal conveyance, micro-mobility users, motorists, and commercial vehicle operators. Applications must be received by August 29. Click here to learn more.

A NOFO has been issued for PennDOT’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, a competitive grant program which funds construction and non-construction projects to reduce Wildlife Vehicle Collisions by improving habitat connectivity. Applications must be received by September 4. Click here to learn more.

If your organization or government entity is interested in pursuing funding under these or other opportunities and has questions or requests for support, please contact Lillian Gabreski, Manager of Sponsored Programs Development, at lgabreski@spcregion.org. 

We are currently accepting applications to hire for three positions in our transportation department:

• Director of Transportation Planning
• Senior Transit Planner
• Transportation Planner III

As Director of Transportation Planning, you will be responsible for advising, assisting and acting on behalf of the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer in the planning, development, implementation and administration of our organization’s transportation related programs and projects.

As a Senior Transit Planner, you will lead in the development, implementation, and administration of our organization's transit programs and projects. In this role, you will develop and deliver oral and written reports and presentations to internal and external audiences.

As Transportation Planner III, you will support the development, implementation and administration of transportation operations and safety related programs and projects. In this role, you will also manage, research, and coordinate data on our Congestion Management Program.

To learn more and apply, click here. We offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, and FSA insurance (medical insurance premium is paid by us for yourself and your dependents!)
• Flexible hybrid work schedule
• Modern office environment (we are located in The Terminal, in the heart of the Strip District)
• Vacation time, sick time and personal leave
• 11 paid federal holidays