On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), most commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) into law providing a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure and communities.
The BIL changed the funding landscape in Pennsylvania and across the country with new and expanded investments in state and local governments to rebuild roads, bridges, and rails; expand access to clean drinking water; ensure improved access to high-speed internet; tackle the climate crisis and advance environmental justice by investing in communities – both urban and rural – that have too often been left behind.
Because discretionary or competitive funding has expanded significantly, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding local governments of the grant opportunities and associated resources the department provides for them.
PennDOT created and maintains an IIJA web page intended to help local officials and others stay informed. PennDOT's website offers the latest news and information on federal grant opportunities available through the IIJA.
Grant opportunities, application guides, awarded projects and other resources on federal grant funding are added as they become available. Please visit often to see if any of these grant funding programs would benefit your community.
Specifically, there are resources to help guide and assist in the pursuit of grants. These include:
- Current Grant Alerts are posted quickly after the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issues its Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for the varied programs. The Grant Alerts provide a concise overview of the core information to know in deciding to pursue a grant.
- A Guide for Developing BIL Grant Proposals provides advice and pointers for preparing a competitive grant application. An updated version was posted online in early April 2024.
- Key USDOT Information includes up-to-date information related to upcoming NOFOs and a preparation checklist for prospective grant applicants.
- New Investments Across the Commonwealth highlights funding awarded and new investments being made to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of Pennsylvania's transportation system.
PennDOT includes alerts about grant opportunities on X, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as in its monthly PennDOT Pathways newsletter.
The BIL marks a transformational moment for Pennsylvania, offering unparalleled opportunity for infrastructure development and community advancement. With PennDOT's comprehensive resources, local governments and communities can navigate federal grant funding more effectively and leverage available resources to increase their chances of success and receive critical funding to advance lasting improvements across the Commonwealth.