Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Program

Background
The Build America Bureau (the Bureau) is responsible for driving transportation infrastructure development projects in the United States through innovative financing programs. Its mission is to provide access to the Bureau’s credit programs in a streamlined, expedient, and transparent manner. In accomplishing its mission, the Bureau also provides technical assistance and encourages innovative best practices in project planning, financing, delivery, and monitoring. The Bureau draws upon the full resources of DOT to best utilize the expertise of DOT’s Operating Administrations while promoting a culture of innovation and customer service.

Grant Details
The Regional Infrastructure Accelerator (RIA) grants assist entities in developing improved infrastructure priorities and financing strategies for the accelerated development of a project that is eligible for funding under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Credit Program under Chapter 6 of Title 23, United States Code. These grants are intended to support RIAs that: (1) serve a defined geographic area; (2) act as a resource to qualified entities in the geographic area; and (3) demonstrate the effectiveness of the RIA to expedite the delivery of projects eligible for the TIFIA credit program. Projects are not required to apply for or receive TIFIA credit assistance to be eligible; however, applicants who are considering the appropriateness of innovative financing methods to accelerate the delivery of eligible projects are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. public entities such as states, municipalities, counties, special purpose districts, tribal governments, MPOs, regional transportation planning organizations, or political subdivisions of a state or local government. Applications will be accepted from partnerships between one or more eligible applicants and another U.S. party, such as a private entity or consulting firm.

Period of Performance
Funding will be provided for a period of two years, with an option for a third year based on performance targets and subject to funding availability.

Grant Value
$24 million is available for this Program. The size of individual awards will be determined by the number of RIAs selected and the funding needed for each to meet the Program objectives. The Bureau anticipates providing grants in the range of $2 million to $4 million to establish between six and ten new RIAs.

Place of Performance
The proposed region whose geographic authority is in both an urban and a rural area will be designated as urban if less than 1⁄2 of the project’s costs are spent in a rural area.
If 2⁄3 or more of a project’s costs are spent in a rural area, the project will be designated as rural.