All these grants are part of a “backlog” of more than 3,200 projects the previous Administration announced but did not obligate, according to the USDOT, which noted that since assuming office, Secretary Sean Duffy and his team have approved grants for 1,065 projects totaling roughly $10 billion or one-third of the backlog.
The Department said it “is working diligently to accelerate the distribution of these long-overdue funds and address core infrastructure projects.” As part of this process, it said it is removing DEI, Green New Deal, and social justice requirements.
As part of the latest round of funding approvals, the FRA is supporting 34 rail-related projects: the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program will fund eight, worth a total of $69 million; the Federal-State Partnership program, three, worth a total of $83 million; the Railroad Crossing Elimination program, 22, worth a total of $28 million; and the Safety Infrastructure Improvement Program, one, worth $2 million. The FTA is supporting 13 rail-related projects: the All Stations Accessibility Program will fund 10, worth a total of $365 million, and the Rail Vehicle Replacement program will fund three, worth a total of $372 million.
Following is a detailed breakdown of the 47 rail-related projects that will now receive grants:
Below is breakdown of grants that other USDOT operating administrations will distribute.
Federal Aviation Administration:
- Airport Improvement Program Supplemental: 23 projects ($124 million).
- Airport Terminal Program: 10 projects ($33 million).
Federal Highway Administration:
- Bridge Investment Program: one project ($1.5 million).
- Congestion Relief Program: one project ($16 million).
- National Scenic Byways Program: one project ($113,000).
- Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects: two projects ($39 million).
- Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation Program (PROTECT): 32 projects ($369 million).
Maritime Administration:
- Port Infrastructure Development Program: two projects ($56 million).
- United States Marine Highway Program: two projects ($6 million).
Office of the Secretary of Transportation:
- Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program: two projects ($45 million).
- Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program: eight projects ($499 million).
- National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega): one project ($110 million).
- Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program: one project ($6 million).
- Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A): 255 projects ($69 million).
For the complete list of 529 approved projects receiving grants, click here.
