The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has secured a combined $2 million through the FY 2025 Innovative Financing and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program to support two initiatives aimed at expanding transit access and leveraging state-owned assets.  

US 522 Bridge Connectivity and Freight Mobility Plan

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA), in coordination with the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT), has submitted a FY 2026 request for $1.2 million through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Bridge Investment Program (BIP) to advance a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study for two aging US 522 bridges that provide a vital connection between Maryland and West Virginia. The effort will examine long-term solutions for structures approaching the end of their service life. While these bridges are safe to use, long-term solutions include the development of conceptual alternatives, traffic and freight analyses, environmental evaluations, resilience strategies and extensive stakeholder and public engagement activities. The study will address structural deficiencies, safety concerns and multimodal access needs while evaluating opportunities to enhance traffic operations and support economic activity along this key regional corridor. Ultimately, the project is intended to preserve a critical Potomac River crossing, strengthen freight connectivity between the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions, improve reliability for residents and emergency responders and guide future investments that will modernize infrastructure and increase resilience to extreme weather and other disruptions.

Penn Camden Connector Construction Project

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has applied for $201 million in FY 2026 funding through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program to complete the final design and construction of the Penn Camden Connector in Baltimore. The project will establish a direct rail connection between the MARC Penn and Camden Lines through new track infrastructure, expanded train storage, freight improvements, and supporting rail systems. By reducing conflicts between passenger and freight operations, the project will improve reliability, increase capacity, and support future MARC service expansion. In the long term, it will strengthen connectivity along the Northeast Corridor, enhance freight mobility, and improve the efficiency of commuter, intercity passenger, and freight rail operations. 

Purple Line Small Business Assistance Program Remains Available in 2026 

MDOT continues to offer financial assistance to small businesses experiencing impacts associated with Purple Line construction. The grant program is designed to help eligible businesses offset disruptions and maintain operations during ongoing construction activities along the corridor. 

Two application cycles remain in 2026, with submission deadlines set for July 31 and November 7. Businesses that meet program requirements may apply during either of the remaining rounds. 

Additional details regarding eligibility, application procedures, and program resources are available on the (website) program website. 

USDOT: Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects (INFRA) Program (website) - 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 2 Commercial Motor Vehicle Parking applications are due July 15, 2026. 

FHWA: National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage) Competitive Grant Program (website) - Through this competitive funding opportunity, the Federal Highway Administration provides financial assistance for projects that replace, remove or repair culverts and weirs to improve or restore passage for anadromous fish while maintaining and enhancing surface transportation infrastructure. Eligible activities include construction as well as planning, design and other project development efforts. The program gives preference to projects that support threatened or at-risk fish species, expand upstream habitat connectivity, strengthen the condition and resiliency of transportation assets and generate broader ecosystem, watershed and economic benefits. Applications are assessed based on conservation outcomes, regional and watershed significance, ecosystem improvements, project design and performance and overall readiness for implementation. For FY 2026 funding, applications are due July 16, 2026. 

FEMA: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) (website) - Federal funding through this program supports 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 (website) - 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. 

*Note: Some of these federal grants are subject to ongoing federal decisions. Please check these links for any updated information. 

For more information about Open Federal Discretionary Grants, visit our (website) webpage.  

The following links provide information on the disclosure pages for members of the House and Senate:  

• House FY 2027 Community Project Funding Requests (website)

• Senate FY 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending Requests (website)