INFRA - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit an application?
- Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Please visit https://www.transportation.gov/grants/mpdg-how-apply for detailed instructions on how to apply.
When is the application deadline?
Deadlines are strict and vary by track:
- Track 1 Deadline: July 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern.
- Track 2 Deadline: July 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern.
- Note: The Department does not plan to extend these deadlines under any circumstances.
What if I am having technical issues with grants.gov?
- You can contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.
Do I have to decide if I am applying for Track 1 or Track 2 funding when I submit an application?
- Yes. They are entirely distinct funding tracks with separate eligibility criteria, different funding sources, and entirely separate submission deadlines.
Can an applicant submit one application for Track 1 and a separate application for Track 2, or are they limited to just one application across the entire NOFO?
- Each applicant may submit only one application total under this funding opportunity per project sponsor. You must choose either Track 1 or Track 2 on the Project Information Form within that single submission.
What types of projects are the Department prioritizing in this round in Track 1?
For this funding cycle, the Department has established three selection prioritization factors:
- Large-Scale Project Focus: Priority will be given to large-scale projects with a total future eligible project cost of $150 million or greater.
- Enhanced Non-Federal Leverage: The Department will prioritize regular INFRA projects that provide a non-Federal cost share of at least 50 percent of the total future eligible project costs.
- Project Readiness and Expedited Obligation: Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate a very high likelihood of achieving formal fund obligation no later than September 30, 2027.
How much funding is available?
The solicitation administers a total pool of approximately $626.7 million, divided into two separate funding tracks:
- Track 1 ($426.7 million): Consists of $319.8 million in FY 2023 and $106.9 million in FY 2024 INFRA resources.
- Track 2 ($200 million): A dedicated carve-out of FY 2026 INFRA resources provided specifically for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) parking projects.
What deadlines will the Department use to evaluate project readiness?
For Track 1, under the selection prioritization criteria, the Department will prioritize projects that demonstrate a high likelihood of achieving formal obligation (signing of the grant agreement after having met all federal prerequisites) no later than September 30, 2027. For large projects on either track, the statutory framework also requires the project to be reasonably expected to begin construction no later than 18 months after that obligation date.
Who are eligible applicants for INFRA Track 1 and Track 2?
The following public entities are eligible to apply:
- A State or group of States.
- A metropolitan planning organization (MPO) serving an Urbanized Area with a population greater than 200,000 individuals.
- A unit of local government or group of local governments.
- A political subdivision of a State or local government.
- A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including port authorities.
- A Federal land management agency applying jointly with a State or group of States.
- A tribal government or a consortium of tribal governments.
- A multi-State corridor organization.
- A multi-State or multijurisdictional group of any of these entities.
- Track 2 Private Partnership Rule: For CMV parking projects under Track 2, any eligible public applicant listed above may partner with a private entity to fund development, capacity expansion, or operations and maintenance.
Can multiple States or jurisdictions apply together?
Yes. The NOFO explicitly permits a "group of States," a "group of local governments," or a "multi-State/multijurisdictional group of entities" to submit joint applications.
What is the minimum grant amount?
- The minimum award for a large project is $25 million. The minimum award for a small project is $5 million.
What is the difference between a small and large project?
A large project is a project that has eligible project costs that are expected to exceed the lesser of either (1) $100 million; (2) 30 percent of a State’s most recent Federal-aid apportionment if the project is located in one State. The only States that have a large project threshold lower than $100 million are listed below with their thresholds, which are based on the FY 2024 Federal-aid apportionment:
- Delaware: $70 million
- District of Columbia: $66 million
- Hawaii: $70 million
- Maine: $76 million
- New Hampshire: $68 million
- Rhode Island: $91 million
- Vermont: $84 million
All multi-State projects meet the $100 million threshold.
Projects with expected costs that do not meet the large project threshold are small projects.
Can previously incurred expenses count toward meeting the minimum project size requirement for INFRA Grants for large projects?
- Some related costs incurred before an INFRA grant obligation may count toward meeting the minimum project size requirement for large projects, but only if those previously incurred expenses are eligible project costs for INFRA grants and were expended as part of the project for which the applicant seeks funds. Costs expended as part of another project may not be counted toward the minimum project size requirement. Although previously incurred costs may be used for satisfying the minimum project size requirement, they cannot be reimbursed with INFRA grant funds nor can they be used to meet the non-federal share requirement for an INFRA grant.
What are the requirements for large projects that receive INFRA grants?
The Department may select a large project under the INFRA Grant Program only if the Department determines that:
#1: The project will generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits.
#2: The project will be cost-effective.
#3: The project will contribute to the accomplishment of one or more of the goals described in 23 U.S.C. § 150.
#4: The project is based on the results of preliminary engineering.
#5: With respect to related non-Federal financial commitments, one or more stable and dependable funding or financing sources are available to construct, maintain, and operate the project, and contingency amounts are available to cover unanticipated cost increases.
#6: The project cannot be easily and efficiently completed without other Federal funding or financial assistance available to the project sponsor.
#7: The project is reasonably expected to begin construction not later than 18 months after the date of obligation of funds for the project.
If a large project consists of multiple components or is part of a network of projects (as described in section C.3 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity), each component should satisfy the requirements above.
- Track 1 (Standard INFRA):
- Large Projects (Generally $100M or Greater): The INFRA grant itself can cover up to 60 percent of the future eligible project costs. You can stack other Federal funding sources to cover up to a maximum 80 percent total Federal share (leaving a 20 percent minimum non-Federal match).
- Small Projects (Under $100M): The INFRA grant itself can cover up to a maximum of 80 percent of the future eligible project costs. This requires a minimum 20 percent non-Federal match.
Note on Priorities: Regardless of project size, the Department is actively prioritizing Track 1 applications that bring a 50 percent or higher non-Federal match, which aligns with the $135 million statutory carve-out for the INFRA Leverage Pilot program.
State Exceptions: For Large projects, 14 states qualify for a sliding scale that increases the maximum total Federal share up to anywhere between 80 percent and 95 percent.
- Track 2 (CMV Parking Carve-out): Track 2 features strict statutory funding caps that completely override standard INFRA stacking rules.
- Large Parking Projects (Over $100M): The absolute ceiling for the total Federal share is 60 percent from all federal sources combined.
- Small Parking Projects (Under $100M): The total combined Federal share is capped higher, at 80 percent from all federal sources combined, requiring a minimum 20 percent non-Federal match.
This page may continue to be updated with Frequently Asked Questions about the FY26 INFRA program. Please monitor this page for updates.
For any further questions about the INFRA program, contact MPDGrants@dot.gov.