Buttigieg Announces Transportation Grants
On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Biden administration would provide $2.9 billion in grants for the improvement of transportation infrastructure, according to CNBC.
Projects: The money is intended to help build and repair highways, bridges, roads and public transit infrastructure across the U.S. The grants are a part of the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure that was passed last November.
Applications: Buttigieg said applications for the federal funds will be due by May 23, and approvals will be determined next fall. State, regional and local governments are all eligible to apply for the funding.
Small piece of the pie: The $2.9 billion announced by Buttigieg on Wednesday represents a small portion of the infrastructure bill’s transportation spending. The bill provides more than $110 billion to repair roads and bridges and $90 billion in funding for public transit over the next five years.
Division of funds: The funds announced by Buttigieg will be allocated as part of three projects, outlined by the infrastructure bill. The National Infrastructure Project Assistance program is for major regional projects costing more than $100 million. The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America project is designed to fund smaller highway, rail and freight construction. The Rural Surface Transportation program will provide transportation funds exclusively to rural communities.
What the administration is saying: In a press release, the Biden administration said, “These investments will create good-paying jobs, grow the economy, reduce emissions, improve safety, make our transportation more sustainable and resilient, and expand transportation options in rural America and other underserved communities.”