Strategic PartnershipsThe U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is making significant progress on its massive project backlog, clearing 529 infrastructure grants worth more than $2.9 billion.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy says this announcement comes as the department is facing a backlog of thousands of unobligated projects that have been announced in recent years. USDOT has cleared 1,065 projects worth roughly $10 billion so far this year, from an initial backlog of 3,200, according to DOT officials.
The 529 recently cleared grants will be awarded to several agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Maritime Administration (MARAD). The Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) will also receive significant grant funding for multiple projects.
The FAA will receive $157 million for 33 projects. These projects include the Airport Terminal Program and the Airport Improvement Program Supplemental.
The FHWA will receive more than $420 million. This covers 37 different projects, including $16 million for the Congestion Relief Program and $36 million for the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects program. The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program will receive the most funding for a single initiative, coming in at $369 million spanning 32 individual projects.
The FRA will receive $182 million for 34 rail projects. The funding includes $69 million for eight projects in the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, $83 million from Federal-State Partnership grants for three projects and $28 million for the Railroad Crossing Elimination program.
The FTA will oversee 154 projects representing the largest share of grants in this recent round of funding. The funding supports transit agencies in purchasing buses, upgrading facilities and improving transit infrastructure nationwide. Notable programs include Rail Vehicle Replacement ($372 million), Ferry Service for Rural Communities ($195 million) and the All Stations Accessibility Program ($365 million).
MARAD will receive $62 million in funding for port infrastructure and waterway projects. The grants focus on improving port facilities, dredging operations and facility upgrades at strategic ports that serve as critical links in America’s freight network.
OST will administer $729 million across 267 projects, focusing on freight corridors, rural connectivity improvements and local safety initiatives. The largest recipient program is the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program, which will receive $499 million covering eight projects. This includes $69 million for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which includes 255 projects.
According to USDOT, road construction costs increased by roughly 70% due to issues like environmental and procedural constraints. By removing these, including requirements for greenhouse gas reporting and carbon accounting, the department plans to expedite backlogged projects and clear more projects to move forward.
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