USDOT made $5.575 billion in funding available from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for projects of regional or national significance through the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant program. The three major discretionary grant programs involve surface transportation projects designed to strengthen supply chains, spur economic development, and improve safety and daily life. 

Last year, the Department awarded nearly $1.2 billion from the Mega Program for nine projects across the country that will create good-paying jobs, grow the economy strengthen supply chains, improve mobility for residents, and make our transportation systems safer for all users. The Department also awarded $274 million for 12 projects through the Rural grant program and $1.5 billion for 26 projects through the INFRA program. 

The demand for grants far exceeded the amount available for awards. For projects that received a "highly rated" designation but were not awarded grants due to funding constraints, the Build America Bureau is able to offer the TIFIA Extra Initiative and provide certain applicants the opportunity to apply for TIFIA credit assistance for up to 49 percent of eligible project costs. Typically, TIFIA projects are able to only receive credit assistance for up to 33% of eligible project costs (except rural, transit and TOD). These projects advance the Administration’s priorities of rebuilding America’s infrastructure and creating jobs by constructing highway and rail projects of regional and national economic significance that position America to win the 21st century.

The Bureau team encourages applicants whose project has received an TIFIA Extra designation to reach out to the Build America Bureau for more information on the Department’s credit and financing programs.