Maryland Department of Transportation

Federal Grant Information 

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Competitive Grants

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Public Law No: 117-58), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed into law on November 15, 2021, is a $1.2 trillion investment in our nation’s infrastructure intended to rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, upgrade and expand public transit, modernize the nation’s ports and airports, improve safety, address the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind.

The BIL includes five-year reauthorization (FY22-26) of surface transportation programs and direct advanced appropriations. Total transportation funding in this five-year package is over $660 billion. As of November 2022, over $2.6 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced and is headed to Maryland with over 35 specific projects identified for funding. Maryland is set to receive over $2.2 billion for transportation to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports.

In order to provide stakeholders with more visibility into upcoming federal opportunities, MDOT is publishing a list of IIJA grants. This list is not comprehensive and will be updated periodically with new programs and dates. New programs are at varies stages of development. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is released by a federal agency to announce program specific funding availability. Applicants should consult program-specific guidance in the NOFO.

How Can a You Prepare for IIJA Opportunities?

IIJA creates new competitive grants and expands existing programs. Each will have specific selection criteria, eligibility, and geographic distribution requirements. Grant opportunities are offered annually and can be awarded on a one-time basis over one year or for a project over multiple years These grants are unique to each round of funding authorization.

It is important to identify priorities and key projects for your community, transportation or otherwise. Determine how additional grant funding can help achieve your goals and explore the wide range of available grants to determine which align with your priorities and aspirations.

Review the IIJA Guidebook to identify potential grant avenues to pursue. When you have found a grant that you wish to apply for, evaluate your internal capacity to apply and your ability to manage projects when successful identifying key staff and available resources will help make the most of your effort. Finally, pursue partnerships; collaboration is essential and MDOT is here to help. Every Competitive Grant program is unique. Look to your priorities and tailor each application to match the policy intent, desired outcomes, and specific requirements.

Interactive Map

MDOT has created a Federal Discretionary Grants Interactive Map Application in which you can view/query and research MDOT Federal Discretionary Grants in an interactive, mapping interface:

Federal Discretionary Grants Interactive Map Application

Open Federal Discretionary Grants

  • MARAD: Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) - This competitive grant program provides funding to support projects that enhance the movement of goods through ports and related intermodal connections. The program focuses on improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight operations by funding a range of eligible activities, including port infrastructure upgrades, intermodal freight connections, operational improvements, and resilience measures that address environmental and climate-related risks. Eligible uses also include planning and development-phase activities, such as feasibility analyses, environmental review, and preliminary engineering, as well as investments in emissions reduction technologies and electrification infrastructure. Projects are evaluated based on their ability to address freight mobility needs, deliver measurable economic and operational benefits, align with regional and national freight priorities, and demonstrate readiness, financial commitment, and technical capacity. Additional considerations include geographic distribution, support for opportunity zones, and incorporation of innovative technologies. For FY 2026, applications are due June 1, 2026.
  • FRA: Railroad Crossing Elimination (Crossing Safety) Program - This competitive grant program provides federal funding to improve safety and mobility at highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossings. Administered by the Federal Railroad Administration, the program supports a range of activities including grade crossing elimination or separation (such as bridges or tunnels), track relocation, installation and upgrade of signals and protective devices, and other safety-focused or technological improvements. Funding is also available for planning, environmental review, and design of eligible projects. The program prioritizes projects that reduce collisions and delays, enhance the movement of people and goods, improve access for communities and emergency services, and address impacts on underserved areas. Projects are evaluated based on readiness, technical merit, and the extent to which they deliver measurable safety, mobility, environmental, and economic benefits. For FY 2025–2026, applications are due June 8, 2026.
  • FMCSA: Commercial Driver's License Program Implementation (CDLPI) Grant Program - This federal funding opportunity supports projects that improve highway safety and strengthen the national Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program. Administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the program funds activities that support compliance with federal CDL requirements, improve the integrity and accuracy of CDL issuance and driver records, strengthen fraud prevention, and enhance oversight of knowledge and skills testing. Eligible activities include implementation of CDL-related regulations, data quality improvements, technology and automation upgrades, examiner and judiciary training, human trafficking prevention initiatives, and projects that improve coordination among State Driver’s Licensing Agencies and other partners. The program prioritizes projects that improve compliance with 49 CFR Parts 383 and 384, strengthen testing and issuance controls, improve the timeliness and accuracy of driver history records, and enhance overall CDL safety and program performance nationwide. Applications are evaluated based on technical merit, measurable performance goals, cost effectiveness, innovation, and the applicant’s ability to successfully implement proposed activities. For FY 2026, applications are due June 17, 2026.
  • FHWA: Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Planning and Bridge Project Grants - This competitive federal funding opportunity provides financial assistance for projects that replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect bridges listed on the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Administered by the Federal Highway Administration, the program supports both planning activities and bridge construction projects with total eligible costs not exceeding $100 million. Eligible activities include bridge replacement and rehabilitation, preservation and protection measures, bridge bundling, culvert improvements, environmental review, preliminary engineering, and other preconstruction activities. Planning grants may also fund feasibility analyses and revenue forecasting associated with future bridge investments. The program prioritizes projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight and passenger movement, reduce the number of bridges in poor condition, enhance resilience and system performance, and leverage non-federal funding contributions. Applications are evaluated based on project readiness, technical merit, cost effectiveness, bridge condition, and the ability to deliver long-term transportation and economic benefits. For FY 2026, Planning Grant applications are due June 15, 2026, and Bridge Project Grant applications are due June 29, 2026.
  • FRA: Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program - This competitive grant program provides federal funding to advance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail systems. Administered by the Federal Railroad Administration, CRISI supports a wide range of activities, including deployment of rail safety technologies, capital improvements to infrastructure and equipment, grade crossing enhancements, congestion mitigation, rail line relocation, and multimodal connectivity projects. The program also funds workforce development, research and innovation, emissions reduction initiatives, and safety planning efforts. Projects are evaluated based on their ability to improve system performance, enhance safety outcomes, and deliver measurable operational and economic benefits, along with considerations such as project readiness, cost effectiveness, and alignment with national transportation priorities. For FY 2025–2026, applications are due June 22, 2026.
  • OLDCC: Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) - This competitive grant program provides federal funding to support infrastructure projects in communities surrounding military installations, with the goal of strengthening mission readiness, enhancing military family quality of life, and improving installation resilience. Administered by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, DCIP funds a range of construction-ready projects, including transportation improvements, schools, hospitals, emergency response facilities, utility systems (water, wastewater, energy, and telecommunications), and other community support infrastructure that directly benefits military operations and personnel. Projects are evaluated based on demonstrated community-installation need, construction readiness, and alignment with priority categories such as mission assurance, family quality of life, resilience, and support for military training. Additional consideration is given to factors such as project completeness, ability to deliver within required timelines, and measurable benefits to service members and surrounding communities. For FY 2026, proposals are due June 25, 2026.
  • USDOT: Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects (INFRA) Program - Through this competitive program, federal funding supports transportation infrastructure investments that improve the movement of freight and people while enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the nation’s transportation network. Managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of the Secretary, the INFRA program funds projects of national or regional significance, including highway and bridge improvements, freight rail and intermodal facility access projects, grade crossing separations, port-related transportation improvements, wildlife crossings, and other freight-focused infrastructure on designated national networks. The FY 2026 program also includes a dedicated funding category for commercial motor vehicle parking projects to help address the shortage of safe truck parking facilities nationwide. Applications are evaluated based on factors such as safety benefits, economic competitiveness, state of good repair, innovation, project readiness, cost effectiveness, and the ability to generate measurable regional or national transportation benefits. Additional consideration is given to projects that demonstrate strong non-federal funding commitments, advanced project development, and the potential for timely implementation. For FY 2026, Track 1 applications are due July 1, 2026, and Track 2 Commercial Motor Vehicle Parking applications are due July 15, 2026.
  • FTA: Competitive Grants for Rail Vehicle Replacement - This competitive federal funding opportunity provides financial assistance to public transit agencies for the replacement of aging rail vehicles that have met or exceeded their useful life. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration, the program supports the acquisition of modern rail rolling stock and related equipment needed to improve transit system reliability, safety, accessibility, and operational performance. Eligible activities include replacement of outdated rail cars, modernization of transit fleets, and associated capital improvements that help transit agencies maintain systems in a state of good repair. The program is intended to reduce maintenance burdens, minimize service disruptions, enhance the passenger experience, and strengthen the long-term resilience and efficiency of rail transit operations. Projects are evaluated based on considerations such as demonstrated state of good repair needs, expected operational and safety benefits, project readiness, and the ability to improve overall system performance and reliability. For FY 2026, applications are due July 6, 2026.
  • FTA: Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning - This competitive grant program provides federal funding to support comprehensive and site-specific planning efforts that integrate land use and transportation planning around existing or planned fixed guideway transit systems. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration, the program supports activities that promote mixed-use development, improve multimodal connectivity and accessibility, enhance pedestrian and bicycle access to transit, and identify infrastructure and community development needs near transit corridors and stations. The program is intended to help communities improve transit ridership, strengthen economic development opportunities, and encourage coordinated public and private investment around transit assets. Projects are evaluated based on factors such as the strength of the planning approach, stakeholder coordination, project readiness, and the potential to advance sustainable and transit-supportive development outcomes. For FY 2026, applications are due July 10, 2026.
  • FEMA: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) - This competitive grant program provides funding to support pre-disaster hazard mitigation projects that reduce risk to communities and critical infrastructure from natural hazards. The program prioritizes infrastructure-based solutions that deliver long-term resilience benefits, including flood risk reduction, structural mitigation, and protection of key community lifelines. Eligible activities include construction projects, as well as limited capability and capacity building efforts that support implementation. BRIC emphasizes cost-effective, technically feasible projects that are aligned with approved hazard mitigation plans and demonstrate measurable risk reduction, with a focus on strengthening resilience for vulnerable populations and high-risk areas. For FY 2026, applications are due July 23, 2026.
  • EDA: Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program – This program provides competitive funding to support infrastructure, workforce, and economic recovery projects in distressed communities. Eligible activities include public works construction, broadband and utilities, workforce facilities, business incubators, revolving loan funds, and economic development planning aligned with a regional CEDS. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, Tribes, nonprofits, economic development organizations, and public-private partnerships. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with cost share required.

Other Federal Discretionary Grants

How Can Maryland DOT Help?

We can work with you on state projects if they are your local priorities, partner when feasible, provide a state match if state priority, give technical support, and other assistance.

If you are representing a local entity and interested in receiving a letter of support from MDOT for current or anticipated project, please fill out this request. We will need at least (two) full weeks upon receiving the information to route for signature.

Factors for Success:

The strongest applications will have a thorough understanding of grant requirements, including deadlines, eligible costs, the application process, overall intent, duration of grant funding, design and environmental review requirements, and local funding match requirements.

This includes a solid understanding of the grant itself, and how it pertains to one of the key focus areas for transportation under this legislation (Safety, , Environmental Sustainability, Quality of Life, Economic Competitiveness, State of Good Repair, and System Modernization). Make your strongest argument possible, backed up by clear information, sound data, and broad community support at all governing and geographic levels with letters of support from partners. Additional factors to take into consideration are:

  • Most grant programs involve a match or “cost share” meaning that a portion of the project’s cost must be met with non-federal sources. Typically, the match requirement is 20%, but there are some opportunities to secure 100% federal funding awards. The required match percentage, sources of match, and other requirements vary from program to program.
  • The Build America Bureau, responsible for supporting transportation infrastructure development projects and offers several programs to provide project finance assistance to State, local, and private project sponsors. These are customizable credit instruments that reduce project costs and increase flexibility.
  • Identify possible partnerships early in the application process. Partnering with local or state entities can increase the knowledge and resources available to enhance grant applications, ultimately giving proposals a more competitive edge.
  • Encourage letters of support from state or local entities. A letter can be a valuable tool to support your grant application that helps the awarding agency determine if the proposal is worthy of funding.
  • Be aware of Build America, Buy America which requires the use of materials produced in the United States, increase the requirement for American-made content, and strengthens the waiver process associated with Buy American provisions.
  • Almost all of US DOT grant applications must be submitted through the Grants.gov portal. Registering is a one-time process; however, processing delays may occur, and it can take up to several weeks for first-time registrants to receive confirmation and a user password. Start the registration process as early as possible.
    • All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) as generated by www.SAM.gov to apply for a federal grant. Note that this can take a few weeks to process

Resources:

For more information on specific grant funding opportunities and program details, please visit the following pages:

TIP/STIP Amendment Resources:

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to help you with your TIP/STIP Amendment(s). Please find below a link to our TIP/STIP Process Overview Webinar held on November 21, 2024. Other resources can also be found below:

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

MDOT's EV Charger Siting Tool & Installation Partnering Form

MDOT has announced the Maryland Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Installation Partnering Form, now available through the EV Plan website. The form is a new resource to encourage potential partnership and collaboration among organizations that are interested in installing publicly available EV charging stations throughout the State. The ‘List of Partners’ gathered through the form will be updated regularly so that interested organizations can reach out directly to those identified on the list about teaming opportunities. For those interested in partnering with a site host, MDOT recommends utilizing the Charger Siting Tool to determine if sites may be a good candidate.

Uniform Grants Guidance 2024 Revisions

The EPA has adopted the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards to Non-Federal Entities guidance, which is commonly known as the Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG). Key changes made to the UGG through its 2024 revision, webinars, resources and contracts are available here.

Clean Cities and Communities: Funding Opportunities

Current funding opportunities that may be of interest to Clean Cities and Communities stakeholders, including U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) issued by the USDOE, are available at the Cities and Communities: Funding Opportunities website.

Current Newsletter

Archived: Newsletters

Archived: Webinars

  • MDOT Grant Road Show 2025 materials, highlighting key annual local and federal grant programs, including discretionary funding, transportation safety, climate-focused initiatives, and modal-specific opportunities - Recording and Slide Deck
  • TIP/STIP Overview Process to help learn how to get your federal funds programmed - Recording and Slide Deck
  • Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Program - Recording and Slide Deck
  • Build America Center: 10 Tips for Putting a Successful Federal Grant Application Together - Recording and Slide Deck
  • MDOT Discretionary Grants Overview - Recording and Slide Deck
  • Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood Program - Recording and Slide Deck
  • National Transportation Center at Morgan State University: Resources and Tools - Recording and Slide Deck