By Joseph Phelan, Grants Development Consultant (State and Local Government)
Local governments have ample opportunities to receive funding for varying transportation-related projects. As federal competitive funding remains at a sort of standstill, now is as good a time as ever to focus on what type of funds states will provide for counties, municipalities, and cities.
Most states have competitive grant programs for transportation projects. They fund planning and capital projects and everything in between. It is usual for states to pass one-time funding opportunities to reflect a specific need, but there are certainly programs that routinely become available every year or every other year as certain states have biennial budgets. Some are created with both federal and state funds, which is why it is always important to know the exact source of funding for any grant that you wish to apply.
Examples of where states choose to focus on funds will differ, but the hallmarks mostly include sustainability, safety, Complete Streets, infrastructure, and accessibility. Sample programs that fit within each focus area will be explained below, although some of the programs will touch on several hallmarks.
Sustainability
- Illinois has a program called Driving a Cleaner Illinois, which funds the replacement of diesel trucks with all-electric trucks. Applications are due on June 6, 2025.
- In California, the Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program provides competitive grants to local agencies so they can develop and implement capital projects allowing them to create transportation infrastructure to adapt to climate change.
- Washington offers a program every two years called Green Transportation Capital, which provides funding to transit agencies for various cost-effective capital projects to reduce carbon intensity. The next deadline is expected in 2026.
Safety
- Townships in Ohio can apply for the Township Safety Sign Grant Program, which provides up to $50,000 in safety signage materials. Applications are due by June 6, 2025.
- In New York, $10 million is available for municipalities to develop Local Road Safety Plans. The minimum ask per project is $250,000, with applications due by June 13, 2025.
- PennDOT offers the Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program, which is meant to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where red-light running has been an issue. Applications will be accepted between June 1 and June 30, 2025.
Complete Streets
- Municipalities in Massachusetts can apply for funding to address critical gaps in transportation through the Complete Streets Funding Program. The application deadline will vary depending on the project, but there is a rolling deadline for any organization that would like training or Complete Streets policy development and implementation.
- Colorado offers the Revitalizing Main Streets grant program, which is meant to help enhance active transportation safety through improvements to the vitality of downtowns, creating community connecting uses of public spaces, and safely accommodating all modes of travel.
- Oregon has had success with its Great Streets Program. This program will fund sidewalk gaps, intersection improvements, and drainage for protection against extreme weather. Although primarily funded through federal monies, this program has received allocation through the State Highway Funds.
Infrastructure
- Texas has two specific programs under its Maritime Funding Program: The Maritime Infrastructure Program, which will fund port infrastructure and security projects, and the Seaport Connectivity Program, which will fund various construction activities near ports.
- Counties in New Jersey can access grants under the Local Bridge Fund. NJDOT made $47.3 million available in FY 2024. The next deadline is yet to be determined.
- Indiana has a program called the Community Crossings Matching Grant, which funds various local road and bridge projects across the state.
Accessibility
- Florida offers a program that assesses new transportation services for those who lack access to reliable transportation. Applications are due May 12, 2025, with $3 million in total funding available.
- In Connecticut, the Community Connectivity Grant Program will fund projects to improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians, with applications due by May 21, 2025.
- Non-profit organizations in Wisconsin can apply to the Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program, which funds activities such as expanded transportation services for low-income workers; public transportation expansion or carpools; as well as individual solutions like car repairs or used car loan programs. The next deadline is expected in November 2025.
These are just 15 examples of what type of projects states are funding for communities of all sizes. Cities, counties, and municipalities should continue to look for potential state opportunities even when the federal grant landscape returns to its normal levels.