Rural Surface Transportation Grant Progam

Background
The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL) was created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It will support projects to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas. The aim is to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. The funding opportunities are awarded on a competitive basis for surface transportation infrastructure projects. These projects include highway and bridge, intercity passenger rail, railway-highway grade crossing or separation, wildlife crossing, public transportation, marine highway, and freight projects, or groups of such projects with significant national or regional impact.

Grant Details
The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL) will support projects that are consistent with the Department’s strategic goals: improve safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, and climate and sustainability. Eligible projects for Rural grants include highway, bridge, or tunnel projects eligible under National Highway Performance Program; a highway freight project eligible under National Highway Freight Program; a highway safety improvement project; a project on a publicly-owned highway or bridge that provides or increases access to an agricultural, commercial, energy, or intermodal facility that supports the economy of a rural area; or a project to develop, establish, or maintain an integrated mobility management system, a transportation demand management system, or on-demand mobility services.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants for Rural grants include a State; a regional transportation planning organization; a unit of local government; a Tribal government or a consortium of Tribal governments; or a multijurisdictional group of entities above. Joint applications from multiple States or entities should identify a lead applicant as the primary point of contact. Mega grants may be used for up to 60 percent of future eligible project costs. INFRA grants may be used for up to 60 percent of future eligible project costs. Rural grants may be used for up to 80 percent of future eligible project costs.

Period of Performance
It is anticipated that this opportunity will award approximately $5.45-5.575 billion for this round from FY 2023 and FY 2024 funding.

Grant Value
$650-675 million will be made available for the Rural program in FY 2023–2024. In addition to the FY 2023– and FY 2024 funds, prior year INFRA amounts, presently estimated at up to $50 million, may be made available and awarded under this solicitation.