DOT plans $2.9 billion in infrastructure grants

On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the administration was ready to award $2.9 billion in grants to state and local governments for bridge, road, and other infrastructure improvements.

The funds, which are part of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill, would be used to fund public works projects such as highway, bridge, freight, port, and public transit expansions and maintenance.

Buttigieg told reporters on Tuesday that applications for the funds must be submitted by May 23 at 5 p.m. ET, with approvals likely in the fall.

“Across the last year, I have traveled and seen some of the most glaring and serious infrastructure needs around this country,” the Transportation secretary said. “Often we’re seeing infrastructure that is generations old, very much in need of repair or replacement.”

With a single application, state, regional, and municipal governments will be able to compete for grant funding from three different programs.