Funding Opportunities for Municipalities

This edition includes the following upcoming funding opportunities:

• U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program for Planning and Bridge Project Grants
• U.S. DOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
• CRCOG Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) Solicitation
• CT DEEP Recreational Trails Grants
• U.S. DOT FHWA Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program
• EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRGP) Implementation Grants
• EPA Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Carbon Utilization Procurement Grants
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fiscal Year 2023 Discretionary Funding Opportunities

Request for Qualifications - Coming Soon!

CRCOG is seeking a qualified consultant to update the region's comprehensive safety action plan or regional transportation safety plan. Statements of Qualification are due to Roger Krahn by 2 pm on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, and in accordance with requirements outlined in the RFQ.

U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program 

Planning Grant Application Deadline: February 19, 2024

Bridge Project Application Deadline: March 19, 2024

FHWA is soliciting applications to allocate FY 2023 and FY 2024 funding towards Planning and Bridge Projects for the Bridge Investment Program.

This is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to receive funding to plan or improve existing bridges or culverts that are listed on the National Bridge Inventory. The goal of this program is to improve bridge condition and the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over existing bridges.

There are two funding categories open now: (1) Planning; and (2) Bridge Project grants (with total eligible costs not greater than $100 million).

• Planning Grants: Up to $80 M is available for FYs 2023 through 2026. There is no maximum or minimum grant award amount; however, grant awards must not exceed 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).
• Bridge Project Grants: Up to $9.62 B is available for FYs 2023 through 2026. Minimum grant awards of $2.5 M, and maximum grant awards of 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), available here, establishes a “rolling application” process for Planning and Bridge Project applications. The schedule, requirements, and selection process for applications is provided for the remaining available amounts of BIP funding.

To better plan and prepare for this grant opportunity, in August CRCOG created three static maps and an interactive online map of the region using data obtained from Connecticut Department of Transportation. The maps depict bridges rated in poor or fair condition. Some of the bridges have been allocated funding through state or other programs, while others have not.

• Map of Municipal Bridges in CRCOG Rated Poor Condition
• Map of Municipal Bridges in CRCOG Rated Fair Condition
• Map of State Bridges in CRCOG Rated Poor Condition
• Interactive Online Map

Project bundling is encouraged. More information about this innovative practice is provided by FHWA here.

See CRCOG's Summary and FHWA's Program Webpage for more information. FHWA provides application templates (Planning and Bridge Project) and a Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool to assist applicants. A recorded webinar will be posted to FHWA's Program Webpage soon.

If you have a bridge that is listed on the National Bridge Inventory, and is rated in poor or fair condition, then please contact Elizabeth Sanderson to learn more about how a Planning Grant or Bridge Project Grant through the Bridge Investment Program could be used to improve road safety and connectivity in your town or city.

Apply online at Grants.gov before the deadline.

U.S. DOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) 

Application Deadline: February 28, 2024

The U.S. DOT is soliciting applications for round 3 of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program.

This is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to receive funding for large surface transportation projects that will improve safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, and climate and sustainability. $1.5 billion is available to be dispersed across the nation in rural areas, urban areas, historically disadvantaged communities, and areas of persistent poverty alike.

USDOT expects to award a minimum of $5 million for capital projects located in urban areas and a minimum of $1 million for capital projects located in rural areas. Planning grants are also available, with no minimum award amount. There is a $25 million maximum award for both capital and planning grants.

CRCOG was awarded $16.4 million in Round 1 for a trail project in New Britain and Plainville that will connect people to jobs. In Round 3, the City of Hartford was awarded $19 million for streetscape improvements to the northern section of Main Street.

Projects do not need to be located on State- or Federally-owned facilities. However, if your project involves State Right-of-Way, CTDOT has established a process to review projects and potential applications. CRCOG can help with this.

A 20% non-Federal cost share/local match is required, except for projects located in Rural Areas, Areas of Persistent Poverty, and/or Historically Disadvantaged Communities, as each is defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

If you have a project with a significant local or regional impact, contact Elizabeth Sanderson to learn more about how a RAISE Grant could help.

Visit CRCOG's RAISE Summary or USDOT's Program Webpage for more information.

Applications must be submitted on Grants.gov before the deadline.

LOTCIP Solicitation is Here!

The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is inviting municipalities to submit proposals for Transportation Improvement Projects for funding under the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP).

CRCOG is reserving $42 million from the following categories for this purpose:

• Reconstruction (roadway and bridge) projects,
• Bicycle/Pedestrian projects,
• Pavement Rehabilitation projects and
• Stand-Alone Sidewalk projects. 

Each municipality may submit materials for two (2) Project proposals in any combination, however CRCOG will limit the award to no more than $4 million per municipality.

Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis according to project rating procedures developed by CRCOG’s Transportation Committee as documented in the LOTCIP Project Selection Policy. Copies of this policy, application forms, and all supporting documents may be accessed at: 2024 LOTCIP Solicitation Webpage.

As per CTDOT LOTCIP Guidelines, projects must meet the following eligibility requirements upon application submission:

• LOTCIP projects must be located on roadways functionally classified as urban collector or higher. Projects on rural minor collectors and local road classifications are not eligible. See the link: https://connecticut-ctdot.opendata.arcgis.com/apps/76c04dd1fb5b4933a0aefa12c632457c/explore
•  Exclusive (stand-alone) sidewalk projects and pedestrian improvements are eligible along roadways of any classification.
•  Bridge improvements are eligible on any roadway classification, however bridges on rural minor collectors and local roads must meet requirements defined in 23 CFR650.305 (length of 20 feet or more).

 To apply for LOTCIP funds, please complete the following forms for each project:

• LOTCIP Application (maximum two (2) proposals per municipality)
• CTDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel Needs Assessment Form
• 2023 LOTCIP Cost Estimating Template (please use unit prices

Please submit an electronic copy of your application package by Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 2:00 pm to: smontanari@crcog.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sotoria Montanari or 860-724-4220.

CT DEEP Recreational Trails Grant  

Application Deadline: March 11, 2024

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) is now accepting applications for the State's Recreational Trails Program Grants.

Up to $10 M is available to improve trail infrastructure in Connecticut. In the last funding round, award amounts ranged from $10,000 to $616,000. More information about prior awardees is available here.

Visit CTDEEP's Program Webpage for details about the program and how to apply. CTDEEP will hold a webinar on January 11, 2024, to provide an overview of the program and application process - register for CTDEEP's Webinar here.

Contact Kimberly Bradley of DEEP's Recreational Trails & Greenways Program with questions.

U.S. DOT FHWA Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program

NOFO Coming Soon!

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) anticipates issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) soon for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP).

ATIIP seeks to fund projects that will provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in networks (connections between destinations within a community or metro-region) and spines (connections between communities, metro-regions, or States). Integrating active transportation with transit services is a goal of the program to improve access to public transportation.

Two types of grants will be awarded:

1. Planning and Design (minimum planning and design cost of $100,000); and
2. Construction (minimum total costs of $15M).

Visit FHWA's ATIIP Webpage for more information. Sign-up with FHWA to receive email updates here.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG) 

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency has opened the implementation phase of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG).

This second phase closely follows the first phase of the program, which focuses on developing Climate Action Plans. Up to $4.6 billion is available to fund measures in applicable Priority Climate Action Plans.

Over the past few months, CRCOG has been collaborating with the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) and other COGs and stakeholders in Connecticut.

On Tuesday, November 14, CRCOG and other local stakeholders hosted an information session about CPRG - if you missed the session, you can view a recording here.

Visit the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) webpage here and CRCOG's CPRG Webpage for more information.

Contact Kyle Shiel, CRCOG Principal Planner and CPRG project manager with questions or to learn more about potential implementation projects and how you can participate in this program.

EPA 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program

Application Deadline: January 31, 2024

This program is available for municipalities interested in doing their part to combat the climate crisis through reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The program offers rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) models. The rebates will allow selectees to receive awarded funds before purchasing the buses and associated infrastructure listed in the application.

EPA anticipates offering $500 M in funding for this program. Visit EPA's program webpage for more information.

Submit applications electronically through EPA's portal at: https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus.

U.S. DOE Carbon Utilization Procurement Grants (UPGrants)

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

The Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $100M over fiscal years 2023 through 2026 for UPGrants. UPGrants are demonstration grants that will allow states, local governments, and public utility or agency entities to procure and use commercial or industrial products that are derived from anthropogenic carbon oxides, which are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions concentrated through human activity. Through innovation we can support a transition to clean energy, curb climate crisis, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Applicants must submit Concept Papers in advance of submitting Full Applications. Visit the DOE's Program Webpage for more information. 

HUD FY2023 Discretionary Funding Opportunities 

Application deadlines vary by program.

HUD has over 20 discretionary grant programs available that support agency initiatives such as Affordable Housing Development and Preservation, Community and Economic Development, Environment and Energy, Fair Housing, Homelessness, Homeownership, Rental Assistance, Supportive Housing and Services:

FY 2023 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants

Deadline: February 13, 2024 (Implementation Grants) or March 4, 2024 (Supplemental Grants)

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRPE) Elements

Deadline: March 28, 2024

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRPL) Leading Edge

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRPC) Comprehensive

Deadline: May 30, 2024

FY2023 and FY2024 Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships

Deadline: June 30, 2025

More information is available on Grants.gov or HUD's Grant Information webpage.

Visit FHWA's Complete Streets Funding Sheet for more funding opportunity ideas.

View FHWA's Lighting Handbook and Fact Sheet to learn more about how lighting can help save lives.

A link to learn more about FHWA's Proven Countermeasures to improve road safety.

View information about available U.S. DOT technical assistance, including a Rural Grant Toolkit and a new Benefit-Cost Analysis Spreadsheet Template, for your use.

View CRCOG's On-Call List of Qualified Consultants for Infrastructure Related Economic Analysis. Three consultants were selected for CRCOG and/or Member Municipalities to contract with to perform infrastructure related economic analysis services, such as Benefit Cost Analyses for studies or grant applications. Such technical assistance is in addition to the assistance CRCOG currently provides.

A Reminder About ARPA Funds

On September 20, 2003, the U.S. Department of Treasury published the Interim Final Rule of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF, a.k.a. ARPA Funds). This 2023 Interim Final Rule expands eligible uses of SLFRF to include:

1. Emergency relief from natural disasters;
2. Projects eligible under certain Surface Transportation Projects; and
3. Projects eligible under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Restrictions and timelines apply. A complete summary of the 2023 Interim Final Rule is available here.

A webinar conducted by Department of Treasury is available on YouTube here.

Visit CRCOG's BIL Webpage for more information about many of the grants and funding opportunities featured in this newsletter.

View previous Funding Opportunities Newsletters here.

View upcoming CRCOG Events here.

View CRCOG Open RFPs/RFQs here.

We're Hiring! Check job postings here.