Francis Scott Key Bridge

In the days that followed the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) and the painful loss of six construction crew members who were working on the bridge, the Biden Administration approved $60 million in federal funds to cover preliminary costs for mobilization, operations and debris recovery. MDOT's thoughts are first and foremost with the families of those who lost their lives, with the safety of first responders who continue to conduct recovery and salvage efforts 24/7, and with those affected at the Port of Baltimore and the surrounding communities. As MDOT moves forward with response, recovery and rebuild efforts, safety will remain MDOT's priority. Please join us in honoring those who lost their lives by making safe choices while traveling Maryland's roadways. 

SHA Roadshow Success

The State Highway Administration (SHA) recently hosted five in-person public workshops throughout the state. More than 120 people from local governments, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, the private sector and state and federal government partners attended to learn more about Transportation Alternatives/Safe Routes to Schools, Recreational Trails, MVA Highway Safety Grants, and the Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program, overseen by MDOT.

The application for the Transportation Alternatives/Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails programs opens April 1. For more information, please visit the program website: Transportation Alternatives/Safe Routes to School Recreational Trails or contact Shane Sarver at ssarver@mdot.maryland.gov.

Aviation Workforce Development Aircraft Pilots Grant Awards - March 4, 2024

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the University of Maryland Eastern Shore $335,818 to enhance teacher professional development that will culminate in an engaging aviation experience and educator certification as FAA Ground Instructors. The program will prepare and certify educators who can provide high-quality aviation education in high school classrooms. 

Enhancing Easton Neighborhood Access on U.S. Route 50 (US 50) Project - March 13, 2024

USDOT awarded State Highway Administration (SHA) $3.3 million to add new sidewalks, raised landscaped medians, remove crossing areas and install new pedestrian signals to enhance the pedestrian experience and improve safety on important corridor through a historically underserved community. The enhancements included in the project represent a comprehensive suite of improvements that will increase access to essential destinations for the community and have been identified as a local priority by the Town of Easton and Talbot County.

MDOT also would like to congratulate the City of Aberdeen, Baltimore City, the Town of Berlin, the City of Frederick and the City of Rockville on their Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Planning awards. Combined, our local partners received more than $9 million from the program.

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) - March 14, 2024

USDOT awarded the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) $1.27 million to install cloud-based transit signal priority solutions at 90 intersections on four of its high-frequency bus service lines. SHA was awarded $1.61 million to utilize unmanned aerial systems to collect speed data to support real-time speed management and variable speed limits near work zones. The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) was awarded $1.76 million to deploy uncrewed aerial systems to provide medical package deliveries to residents on the Eastern Shore and islands in the Chesapeake Bay.

Airport Infrastructure Grants - March 20, 2024

The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) was awarded $617,763 for the design of comprehensive pavement reconstruction in PCC DX/DY Apron and Adjacent Taxiway T. The project will also address any geometric deficiencies, replace any existing incandescent lighting/signage and provide new signage to extend its useful life and enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

If you have a recently awarded project that you would like to highlight in the next newsletter, reach out to us!

April Updates

New Grant Resources

In this month's edition, we would like to highlight the USDOT Key Notices of Funding Opportunity tracker. It has been updated recently to reflect new anticipated opening dates for key programs. Timelines are subject to change. 

Please let us know if we can coordinate with you or partner on an application. 

MDOT's Climate Focused Funding Portal - Now Open!

The MDOT Climate Focused Funding Portal’s current priority is the solicitation of decarbonization projects for funding available through the federal Carbon Reduction Program. Eligible projects include public transportation, intelligent transportation systems, efficient lighting and traffic controls, transportation demand management, diesel engine retrofits, deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, and more! 

Eligible applicants include MDOT Modal Administrations, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Local Governments (County, Municipalities, WMATA). Portal is open until April 30, 2024. 

USDOT: Safe Streets for All (SS4A) - Planning and Demonstration Grants due April 4, 2024, May 16, 2024, and August 29, 2024. Implementation Grants due May 16, 2024.  

• Webinar Recording: Action Plans, Passcode:1Zb$EbZ*
• Webinar Recording: Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Activities, Passcode: Wa*IhXd
• Webinar Recording: Implementation Grants, Passcode: !nk%qwp9

FHWA: Congestion Relief Program - Due April 22, 2024

• Webinar Recording: Informational, Passcode: d+Vhet=1

FTA: Low or No Emission and Buses and Bus Facilities - Due April 25, 2024

• Webinar Recording: Environmental Review for Electric Vehicle Charging Projects, Passcode: 1.==dtur 

DOE: Technology Integration Funding - Full applications due April 30, 2024

ARC: Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) - Applications accepted on a rolling basis but reviewed quarterly until funding is expended. The next round is due April 30, 2024.  

FHWA: Prioritization Process Pilot Program - Due May 1, 2024

USDOT: Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Opportunity - Due May 6, 2024

• Webinar: How to Apply Smaller Scale Projects (Less than $100M) - April 3, 2024, at 2 p.m.
• Webinar: How to Apply Larger Scale Projects (Approximately $100M+) - April 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. 
• Webinar: How to Prepare a Benefit-Cost Analysis - April 9, 2024, at 2 p.m.

MARAD: Port Infrastructure Development Program - Due May 10, 2024

• FY24 Webinar Recordings

FHWA: Strategic Innovation for Revenue Collection (SIRC) Program - Due May 27, 2024

FTA: Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program - Due May 28, 2024

• Webinar: NOFO Overview - April 9, 2024 2:00 p.m.

FHWA: Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program - Due June 17, 2024

FHWA: Bridge Investment Program (Large Bridge Project Grants) - Consideration for FY25 funds due August 1, 2024. Consideration for FY26 funds due August 1, 2025.

• Presentation: Program Overview
• Presentation: Planning Grants Overview
• Presentation: Bridge and Large Bridge Grants Overview

FHWA: Bridge Investment Program (Planning & Bridge Projects) - Considerations for FY25 funds due October 1, 2024 (Planning) and November 1, 2024 (Bridge Projects). Considerations for FY26 funds due October 1, 2025 (Planning) and November 1, 2025 (Bridge Projects).  

USDOT: Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program - Consideration for FY25 funds due January 13, 2025. Considerations for FY26 funds due January 13, 2026.

EPA: Clean Ports Program - Due May 28, 2024 

HUD:  Thriving Communities Technical Assistance (TCTA) Program - Request technical assistance using this form. 

USDA: Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants - Open until funds are exhausted.

We encourage you to download our fact sheet, updated regularly, on our available resources, contact information and select grant opportunities for local partners here. If you are representing a local entity and interested in receiving a letter of support from MDOT for a current or anticipated project, please fill out this request form.

USDOT published the 2023 Update of the DOT Equity Action Plan, which outlines new activities USDOT is committing to across the following five focus areas: Wealth Creation; Power of Community; Proactive Intervention, Planning and Capacity Building; Expanding Access; and Institutionalizing Equity. USDOT also is releasing the Transportation Data and Equity Hub, a one-stop-shop to find tools, metrics and data to analyze transportation access and the impacts of the transportation system on communities.  

USDOT updated the Data and Mapping Tools Navigator page to include information on several tools, including the Freight Analysis Framework, National Highway Freight Network, Port Performance Freight Statistics Program, the National Highway System Website, Federal Rail Administration (FRA) Safety Map, FRA Grade Crossing Inventory and the Justice40 Rail Explorer.

To help potential grantees prepare for upcoming funding opportunities, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has released its Lessons Learned from CY23 video.  

The USDOT Climate Change Center is hosting a 2024 webinar series on climate change and transportation topics. Register for each session here. 

• April 26, 2024 - Intermodal Freight Decarbonization
• May 30, 2024 - Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Transportation
• June 18, 2024 - Climate Change Research & Technology

We want to support you! Reach out to discuss your capital priorities, federal funding opportunities and how we can work together. Please visit the MDOT IIJA Federal Discretionary Grant Information website to learn more or to view previous newsletter editions by clicking the button below. Email MDOTTSOOPCP@mdot.maryland.gov with any questions or general inquiries.