The Window Is Narrowing for Federal Transportation Grants

Grant funding continues to play a critical role in advancing impactful transportation planning and design projects, but success often starts well before Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) are posted. Competitive applications include project goals, data, and documentation that are strategically tailored to funding criteria. Identifying funding opportunities and starting applications early gives agencies the strongest path to advance projects and programs that deliver community benefit.

The core federal transportation programs authorized by the current Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) only extend through September 30, 2026, making this a pivotal year for grant pursuit. Congress will need to pass new legislation to determine the future of federal infrastructure investments beyond this point. Agencies that proactively position projects and understand how they align with available funding programs will be better prepared to act as opportunities open.

As agencies plan for the year ahead, several federally disbursed funding programs are shaping near-term grant strategies across the transportation and planning landscape. Consor’s grant management group actively tracks these programs and works with agencies to understand how projects align with available funding.

About The Author

Jenny Godwin, AICP

Planner

Jenny is a transportation planner with experience engaging community members in corridor plan development and multimodal safety assessments, developing and supporting successful client grant applications, and designing accessible, culturally relevant outreach strategies.

Upcoming Federally Disbursed Funding Opportunities of Interest

USDOT Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)

The BUILD program funds both capital and planning grants through a discretionary process that supports surface transportation infrastructure projects with a significant local or regional impact.

Release Date: Open (through 2/24/26)

More Information: FY 2026 BUILD Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity | US Department of Transportation

USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)

SS4A funds developing comprehensive safety action plans (CSAPs); conducting planning, design, and development activities for projects and strategies identified in a CSAP; and carrying out such projects and strategies.

Anticipated Release Date: Spring 2026

More Information: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation

USDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)

HSIP is a core federal aid program focused on achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roadways, including non-state-owned roads and roads on tribal land. The program requires a data-driven, performance-based approach to improving highway safety, with a focus on zero deaths and serious injuries.

Anticipated Release Date: Varies (funding is disbursed through state DOTs)

More Information: Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) | FHWA

FHWA Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

TAP supports generally smaller-scale active transportation or environmental mitigation projects. Eligible efforts include pedestrian and bicycle facilities; turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; safe routes to school; and vulnerable road user safety assessments.

Anticipated Release Date: Varies (funding is disbursed through state DOTs)
More Information: Transportation Alternatives – Environment | FHWA

Agencies are increasingly successful when funding considerations are incorporated into broader program planning. Integrating eligibility screening, realistic cost estimate development, and outcome documentation tied to safety, mobility, and community goals early helps strengthen grant readiness. Grant strategies that extend through application development and post-award compliance can reduce risk and support long-term delivery.

Consor’s grant management experts work with agencies to align project goals with funding criteria and support the full grant lifecycle, from funding option prioritization and pursuit strategy to application development and narrative alignment (i.e., cost estimations, data gathering, mapping, and graphics support). Post-award, these experts can support appropriate grant reporting, procurement, and closeout proceedings with funders.

Have questions or need guidance? Reach out to Jenny Godwin to discuss next steps to identify funding opportunities in your area.