FHWA making $876 million available to protect surface transportation from effects of climate change

The Federal Highway Administration is making up to $876 million available through 2026 to improve surface transportation system safety and better protect them against hazards caused by climate-related events. 

Projects covered under the FHWA’s PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program include making highways, public transportation, pedestrian facilities, ports and intercity passenger rail more resilient to climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events and other natural hazards.  

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Approximately 60 projects will be funded through 2026, the FHWA says. About $576 million is available for FY 2024 and 2025. The FHWA will award $300 million in FY 2026. 

Funding eligibility extends to coastal states, metropolitan planning organizations and local governments, transit agencies and tribes. Applications for FY 2024-2025 are due Feb. 24, 2025. 

The funding will support planning activities, resilience improvements, evacuation routes and at-risk costal infrastructure. 

Photo courtesy SouthernOculus