This edition includes the following upcoming events and funding opportunities:

• U.S. DOT Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Technology (SMART)
• U.S. DOT Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI)
• U.S. DOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP)
• U.S. DOT Financing Programs - TIFIA and RRIF
• U.S. DOT FHWA National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration..(Culvert AOP)
• U.S. DOT FHWA Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
• U.S. DOT Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program - Northeast Corridor
• U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All
• U.S. DOT Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program
• CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
• U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program for Bridge Project Grants
• EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle (CHDV) Grants
• EPA Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program 
• Brownfields Redevelopment
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Discretionary Funding Opportunities

U.S. DOT Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation Grant Program (SMART)

Application Deadline: July 12, 2024

U.S. DOT is now accepting Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping Grant applications for the SMART program. This program funds the development on demonstration projects focused on technologies and systems designed to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

Applicants must receive a Stage 1 grant to be eligible for Stage 2, and this is likely the last opportunity to apply for Stage 1. Learn more here, or in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Apply online through ValidEval before the application deadline.

U.S. DOT Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program (CFI) 

Application Deadline: New Applications are due by August 28, 2024

U.S. DOT is now accepting applications for Round 2 of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI). This program was developed to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle and alternative fueling infrastructure. Up to $1.3B is available for new and previously submitted applications. If you applied last year, but were not awarded, your prior application can be reconsidered if you notify FHWA by July 1. View CRCOG's Summary and the Program Webpage to learn more.

View the Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Playbook, developed by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) program. The playbook offers interactive resources to help communities plan and build infrastructure that supports a zero-emission transportation system. The book is geared towards communities, planning organizations, local and state governments, Tribal Nations, and other decision makers to help them navigate important considerations when planning and deploying EV charging infrastructure.

Apply online through Grants.gov before the application deadline.

U.S. DOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program 

U.S. DOT's Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program is coming back. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected to be issued in early July. The program seeks to remove transportation barriers that have divided communities for decades, impairing mobility, access and economic development.

Learn more and signup for updates here. Explore the program's FY23 RCN StoryMap to get inspired!

U.S. DOT Financing Programs - TIFIA, RRIF 

In addition to the numerous discretionary and formula funding programs, U.S. DOT offers flexible loan programs like TIFIA and RRIF to finance large transportation projects. Funding for Transit-oriented Development (TOD) projects is now also available for eligible areas, which, per the TOD Eligibility Map for TIFIA and RRIF include CRCOG municipalities of Berlin, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Enfield.

To learn more, Register for US DOT's upcoming webinar on July 9 (1:00-2:30 p.m. ET) or July 15 (3:00-4:30 p.m. ET).

U.S. DOT FHWA National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grants Program

Application Deadline: September 23, 2024

U.S. DOT is now accepting applications for the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grants Program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP)). This program seeks to improve passage of aquatic organisms through the removal, replacement, or restoration of culverts. CRCOG's Summary from FY2022 provides more information, including a list of waterways in Connecticut that may be eligible for this funding opportunity. Visit FHWA's Program Webpage to learn more.

Access the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and apply online through Grants.gov before the application deadline.

U.S. DOT FHWA Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program

Application Deadline: September 4, 2024

FHWA is now accepting applications for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. This program seeks to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. Learn more.

Access the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and apply online through Grants.gov before the application deadline.

Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Rail Grant Program - Northeast Corridor

Application Deadline: July 14, 2024

U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration is accepting applications for over $2B in funding available from FY24 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program for projects located on the Northeast Corridor. Collaboration with CTDOT and rail owners/operators is required. Learn more, and view the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program (SS4A) 

Planning and Demonstration Grant Deadline: August 29, 2024

U.S. DOT is now accepting applications for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program (SS4A). This is an excellent opportunity to fund projects and develop strategies that will prevent deaths and serious injuries on roadways. Learn more, or in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

CRCOG has prepared guidance documents for each of the two types of grants. Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson if you are interested in receiving these documents or would like to discuss your project in greater detail.

Apply online through ValidEval before the application deadline.

U.S. DOT Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program

Application Deadline EXTENDED to: July 17, 2024

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced availability of $44M 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 and obtain the NOFO for more information.

Apply online through Apply online through Grants.gov before the deadline.

CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis until funds are exhausted

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has created a new Active Transportation Microgrant Program to work in conjunction with the Safe Routes to School Program. The purpose of the program is to provide eligible applicants with up to $5,000 for non-infrastructure resources that advance safe, accessible, sustainable, and equitable walking, biking, and rolling.

Eligible applicants include schools, school districts, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible items include bicycle helmets; bicycle locks; bicycle fleets; safety vests; bicycle maintenance training and materials; League Cycling instructors training; and programs, events, and materials for bicycle and pedestrian safety education.

Up to $500,000 is available for this program, which will be administered and distributed by COGs until utilized. Applicants may apply for up to two grants per 12-month period. View the Program Guidelines.

Apply online using this Application Form and send to Mike Cipriano, CRCOG's Representative, once complete. Since this is a rolling application process with limited funds available, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program 

Large Bridge Application Deadline: August 1, 2024

Planning Grant Application Deadline: October 1, 2024

Bridge Project Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

There is still time to apply for Federal funding from FY2023 and FY2024 for Bridge Project Grants (under $100M) through FHWA's Bridge Investment Program.

This is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to 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 in this program: (1) Planning; and (2) Bridge Project grants (with total eligible costs not greater than $100M).

• Planning Grants: Up to $80M 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 for projects with total eligible costs of $100M or less. 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).
• Large Bridge Project Grants: Funding available for projects with total eligible costs greater than $100M.

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

View CRCOG's three static maps and/or interactive online map depicting bridges rated in poor or fair condition based on data from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Some of the bridges have been allocated funding through state or other programs, while others have not.

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.

If you have a bridge that is listed on the National Bridge Inventory, and it 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. Project bundling is encouraged. More information about this innovative practice is provided by FHWA here.

Applications will be accepted at Grants.gov on a rolling basis.

U.S. EPA Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis until November 21, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $2B available to fund community-driven projects to address climate challenges and reduce pollution through the Community Change Grants. The program will enable communities and their partners* to overcome longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now and in the future. 

There are two funding tracks:

1. Community-Driven Investments for Change will fund about 150 large, transformational community-driven investment grants of $10 million - $20 million to meaningfully improve the environmental, climate, and resilience conditions affecting disadvantaged communities. A review of the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map reveals that 19 CRCOG Member Municipalities contain Census Tracts that meet EPA's definition of disadvantaged community: Berlin, Bloomfield, Columbia, East Hartford, Enfield, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Southington, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.
2. Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance will fund about 20 meaningful engagement grants of $1 million - $3 million. 

Grants may be used for:

• Air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation, and investments that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions1 and other air pollutants;
• Mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events;
• Climate resiliency and adaptation;
• Reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution;
• Facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in state and federal advisory groups, workshops, rulemakings, and other public processes; or
• More, as detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Funds must be used within three years. EPA offers technical assistance for eligible entities for pre- and post-award activities. More information about the technical assistance program is available here.

Apply online at Grants.gov at any time before the final application deadline.

*Partners are expected to comply with competitive procurement contracting requirements. More information about partner selection is in the NOFO.

Brownfields Redevelopment

Application Deadline: Varies

In Connecticut, a brownfield is defined as “any abandoned or underutilized site where redevelopment, reuse or expansion has not occurred due to the presence or potential presence of pollution in the buildings, soil or groundwater that requires investigation or remediation before or in conjunction with the redevelopment, reuse or expansion of the property.”  

Such properties are common in Connecticut, due to our long-history and industrious roots. Brownfields are common contributors to blight, and it is important to take action to assess environmental conditions, identify pollutants, and establish a plan to remediate them so that these opportunity properties can return to productive re-use.

Federal, State, and local programs exist to incentivize redevelopment. Let's talk about options that may be available to address blight and pollution in your community. 

HUD 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:

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.

BIL Workshop Series: Sustainable Stormwater Management

Thank you to all who attended the Sustainable Stormwater Management Workshop that CRCOG and Weston & Sampson held on May 31. A recording of the presentations is available here:

Discretionary Grants Awarded to the CRCOG Region

Learn more about discretionary grant awards coming to our region. CRCOG's GIS Team has developed an Interactive Online Map of Federal Discretionary Grant Awards. This map is updated quarterly with available information about awards in our region. As of April 11, 2024, over $56M has been awarded to CRCOG and its Member Municipalities. Additional funding has been awarded to non-municipal entities.

More information about these grant awards is available on the map.

A Reminder About ARPA Funds

Time is running out to obligate and spend ARPA funds. If you have unobligated funds, consider the expanded uses now available. This is further explained in the U.S. Department of Treasury Interim Final Rule of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF, a.k.a. ARPA Funds), which was published on September 20, 2023, and CRCOG's Summary. The 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. Watch U.S. Treasury's webinar on YouTube.

• Connecticut's Training and Technical Assistance Center (T2 Center) provides a wealth of resources and training opportunities related to the transportation industry. Learn more about upcoming opportunities and get connected by visiting the T2 Center Webpage.
• View a recent T2 Center webinar about CT DOT's Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device Program

• 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.

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

• View previous Funding Newsletters
• View upcoming CRCOG Events
• View CRCOG Open RFPs/RFQs