During the 2022 NADO Annual Training Conference, Robert Hyman and Alex Clegg shared information about the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and U.S. Department of Transportation programs.

1. Tapping into BIL
Funds at DOT
Rob Hyman & Alex Clegg – USDOT
October 17, 2022
NADO Annual Training Conference
Contact Us!
rural@dot.gov
www.transportation.gov/rural

2. Introduction to ROUTES
Overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Technical Assistance Opportunities
Beyond the Department of Transportation
Agenda

3. Introduction to ROUTES
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4. The Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative aims to address
disparities in rural transportation infrastructure and improve safety, mobility, and economic competitiveness
nationwide.
Engage Rural Communities through a series of events to better understand the needs and
priorities of rural communities and collect essential data from stakeholders representing different
communities, groups, workers, and industries to identify solutions.
Harmonize DOT Programs to implement rural policy by establishing the ROUTES Council to lead
and coordinate Departmental activities to implement BIL and better align new and existing
funding, financing, and technical assistance programs with the needs of rural and Tribal
communities.
Utilize a Whole-of-Government Approach by partnering with other rural-focused federal agencies
such as DOE, DOI, and USDA to expand DOT’s presence in rural America, better promote DOT’s
resources to their customers, and capitalize on synergies between federal funding programs.
The ROUTES Office seeks to:
About the ROUTES Initiative

5. The ROUTES website consolidates DOT’s rural resources in one place.
Webinars
• Benefit Cost Analyses for Rural Projects
• TIFIA Rural Projects Initiative
• Transit Resources
• National Roadway Safety Strategy
Tools and Toolkits
• Rural Eligibility Map
• Point of Contact Map
• Grant Applicant Toolkit
• Rural EV Infrastructure Toolkit
Funding Opportunities
• Active & Upcoming NOFOs
• Links to Past Awards
Modal Specific Landing Pages
Quarterly Newsletters
One-Stop-Shop for Rural Resources
www.transportation.gov/rural

6. • Highlights the benefits of EVs for rural areas
• Identifies key stakeholders and partners in project
planning and implementation
• Walks through a project planning checklist and
provides technical advice on project scoping,
installation, and operations
• Compiles helpful tools and resources for cost analysis,
charging needs assessment, and equitable planning
• Lists federal funding and financing programs and
eligibility criteria
www.transportation.gov/rural/ev/toolkit
Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure helps rural
stakeholders scope, plan, and fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Rural EV Infrastructure Toolkit

7. • Identifies USDOT discretionary grant funding
opportunities for rural transportation projects
• Lists grant programs by applicant type and eligible
project activities in a USDOT Discretionary Grant
Funding Matrix
• Illustrates key applicant activities when participating in
the USDOT discretionary grants process
• Compiles helpful tools and resources for applicants to
maximize the potential for award success
www.transportation.gov/rural/grants/toolkit
Applicant Toolkit for Competitive Funding Programs at USDOT provides user-friendly information and
resources to support rural applicants’ understanding of USDOT discretionary grant programs and the
funding process.
Rural Grant Applicant Toolkit

8. Mission: To deliver the world’s leading transportation system, serving the American people and economy
through the safe, efficient, sustainable, and equitable movement of people and goods.
DOT Strategic Plan Goals

9. Overview of the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law
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10. BIL Overview for Rural America
• $20 Billion over 5 years for rural transportation infrastructure
 New rural surface transportation grant program
 Increased funding for programs with rural set-asides (including RAISE and
INFRA)
• Codifies ROUTES Initiative and ROUTES Council
• BIL resources
 White House Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Playbook
 White House Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Rural Playbook
 DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Hub
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11. Active & Upcoming NOFOs
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Please note schedule is approximate and subject to change
https://www.transportation.gov/rural/funding-opportunities
Note: This table does not include all BIL programs or eligible entities, and there are additional nuances not represented in this table. ”PA” means a special purpose district
or public authority with a transportation function; “Outside UA…” refers to areas not part of Census designated urbanized areas of a given population; *Applicant
eligibility explained in greater detail on subsequent slides.
Program FY22/FY23 NOFO FY22/23
Funding
Rural
Set-Aside
Rural Definition Eligible Applicants
State MPO Local Tribe PA Other
NSFLTP OPEN TO 10/24/22 $125 Million n/a n/a * *  
SMART OPEN TO 11/18/22 $100 Million 30% Outside UA > 50k     
ATTAIN/ATTIMD OPEN TO 11/18/22 $60 Million 20% Outside UA > 50k    
CRISI OPEN TO 12/1/22 $1.4 Billion 25% Outside UA > 50k     
Tribal Transportation
Program Safety Fund
OPEN TO 1/15/23 $24 Million n/a n/a 
Culvert AOP Program OPEN TO 2/6/23 $196 Million n/a n/a   
RAISE November 2022 ~$1.5 Billion 50% Outside UA >200k      
PROTECT Winter 2023 ~$300 Million n/a n/a      
MPDG (INFRA, Mega, &
Rural)
Winter 2023 ~$2.8 Billion 25%
(INFRA)
Outside UA >200k      
Wildlife Crossings Pilot Winter 2022/2023 ~$60 Million 60% Outside UA > 50k      
Charging & Fueling
Infrastructure
Winter 2022/2023 ~$500 Million n/a n/a      

12. Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal
Projects Program (NSFLTP)
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Purpose
• Construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of nationally-significant projects within, adjacent to, or
accessing federal or Tribal lands
Funding
• $125 Million
• Split evenly between Tribal and federal land projects
Eligible
Entities
• Tribal governments
• Federal land management agency
• State & local governments sponsored by a Federal land management agency or Tribal government
Eligible
Projects
• On a federal lands transportation facility, federal lands access transportation facility or Tribal transportation
facility
• Facility is not required to be listed in the national Tribal transportation facility inventory or the national
Federal lands transportation facility inventory
• Must have completed the NEPA process, as demonstrated by a completed record of decision, finding of no
significant impact, or categorical exclusion determination
• Minimum $12.5 Million eligible project costs (previously $25 Million)
Timeline • FY22 NOFO closes OCTOBER 24
Cost Share
• Max 100% federal funding (previously 90%) for projects on a tribal transportation facility
• Max 90% federal funding for other projects

13. [NEW] Strengthening Mobility and
Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART)
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Purpose
• Demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems to
improve transportation efficiency and safety for rural, midsized, and large communities
Funding
• $100 Million
• 30% set aside for rural communities under 50,000 population; 30% for midsize communities up to
400,000
Eligible Entities
• State
• Local government
• Tribal government
• Public transit agency or authority
• Public toll authority
• MPO
Eligible Projects
• Coordinate Automation
• Connected Vehicles
• Intelligent, sensor-based infrastructure
• Systems integration
• Commerce delivery and logistics
• Leveraging use of innovative aviation technology
• Smart grid
• Smart technology traffic signals
Timeline • FY22 NOFO closes November 18
Cost Share • Max 100% funding

14. Advanced Transportation Technology and
Innovation (ATTAIN/ATTIMD)
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Purpose
• Promote advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency,
system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment
(formerly known as ATCMTD)
Funding
• $60 Million
• 20% rural set-aside
Eligible Entities
• Local governments
• State governments
• MPO
• Tribal governments
Eligible Projects
• Deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety,
mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure
return on investment.
Timeline • FY22 NOFO closes November 18, 2022
Cost
Share
• Max 80% federal funding

15. Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety
Improvements (CRISI)
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Purpose • Improve the safety, efficiency, and/or reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail systems
Funding
• $1.425 Billion
• 25% minimum rural and Tribal set-aside
Eligible
Entities
• States, a group of States, or an Interstate Compact
• Public agencies or publicly chartered authorities established by 1 or more States
• Political subdivision of a State (e.g. counties)
• [NEW] Tribal government
• Others (including Amtrak/intercity passenger rail and Class II/II railroads)
Eligible
Projects
• Capital projects (e.g. track, station, and equipment improvements; congestion mitigation; grade crossings; track
relocation; and deployment of railroad safety technology)
• Regional rail and Corridor service development plans and corresponding environmental analyses
• Safety programs and institutes, including workforce development and training activities
• [NEW] Measures that prevent trespassing and injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing
• [NEW] Research, development, and testing to advance innovative rail projects
• [NEW] Preparation of emergency plans for communities through which hazardous materials are transported by
rail
• [NEW] Rehabilitating, remanufacturing, procuring, or overhauling locomotives, provided that such activities
result in a significant reduction in emissions
Timeline • FY22 NOFO closes December 1, 2022
Cost Share • Max 80% federal funding

16. Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund
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Purpose • Prevent and reduce transportation-related injuries and fatalities on Tribal Lands
Funding • $24 Million (FY23)
Eligible
Entities
• Tribal government
Eligible
Activities
• develop and update transportation safety plans
• safety data assessment, improvement, and analysis
• systemic roadway departure countermeasures
• infrastructure improvements and other eligible activities as listed in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4)
Timeline • FY23 NOFO closes January 15, 2023
Cost Share
• Max 100% federal funding for Tribal governments
• Max 80% federal funding for all other projects

17. [NEW] Culvert Removal, Replacement, & Restoration (AOP) Program
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Purpose • Improve or restore passage for anadromous fish
Funding • $196 Million
Eligible
Entities
• States
• Local governments
• Tribal government
Eligible
Activities
• Replacement, removal, and repair of culverts or weirs that would meaningfully
improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish
• Can include infrastructure to facilitate fish passage around or over weirs
Timeline • FY22 NOFO closes February 6, 2023
Cost Share
• Max 100% federal funding for Tribal governments
• Max 80% federal funding for all other projects

18. RAISE
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Purpose •Projects with a significant local or regional impact that improve transportation infrastructure
Funding
•~ $1.5 Billion for FY23
•50% set-aside for projects in rural areas
Eligible Entities
•States (including DC and territories)
•Local governments
•Tribal government
•Public agency or publicly chartered authorities established by one or more States
•Special purpose district or public authority with transportation function
•Transit agency
Eligible Activities
•Highway/bridge projects eligible under title 23
•Public transportation projects
•Passenger or freight rail projects
•Port infrastructure investments
•Surface transportation components of an airport
•Any other surface transportation projects considered necessary to advance program goals
Timeline •FY23 NOFO expected in late November 2022
Cost Share
•Max 100% federal funding for projects in either a rural area, historically disadvantaged community, or area of persistent
poverty
•Max 80% federal funding for all other projects

19. Rural Surface Transportation Grants
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Purpose
• Improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the
safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve
quality of life
Funding • $300 Million for FY22
Eligible Entities
• State
• Regional transportation planning organization (RTPO)
• Local government
• Tribal government
Eligible Activities
• Highway, bridge, or tunnel projects eligible under NHPP, STBG or the Tribal Transportation Program
• Highway freight project eligible under NHFP
• Highway safety improvement project
• Project on a publicly-owned highway or bridge improving access to certain facilities that support the economy of a
rural area
• Integrated mobility management system, transportation demand management system, or on-demand mobility
services
Timeline
• FY23 NOFO expected in winter2023 (part of MDPG program with INFRA and Mega)
• FY22 award announcements anticipated later this year
Cost Share
• Max 100% federal funding
• Max 80% funding from Rural grant

20. INFRA
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Purpose
•Improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and
reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life
Funding
•$1.55 Billion for FY22
•25% set-aside for large projects in rural areas
•30% set-aside for small projects in rural areas
Eligible Entities
•State
•Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
•Local government
•Tribal government
•Political subdivision of a state or local government
•Special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority
Eligible Activities
•A highway, bridge, or freight project on the National Multimodal Freight Network
•A highway-railway grade crossing or separation project
•Marine highway corridor projects functionally connected to NHFN and likely to reduce on-road emissions;
•Wildlife crossing projects
•Surface transportation projects within the boundaries of or functionally connected to an international border crossing area
Timeline •FY23 NOFO expected in winter 2023 (part of MDPG program with Rural and Mega)
Cost Share
•Max 80% federal funding (exceptions for certain states up to 90%)
•Max 60% of INFRA grant funding for future eligible project costs

21. Other Upcoming New Programs
• Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and
Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT)
 Planning, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation
routes, and at-risk coastal infrastructure
 $1.4B for FY22-26 discretionary grants (additional $7.3B distributed to states
via formula)
• Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
 Support projects that seek to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions,
and improve habitat connectivity
 $350M for FY22-26, with at least 60% set-aside for rural areas
• Charging and Fueling Infrastructure
 EV charging and alternative fuel stations installation and operation
 $1.25B for communities (another $1.25B for designated alt fuel corridors)
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22. Technical Assistance and Resources
22

23. 23
ThrivingCommunitiesInitiative
The Thriving Communities programs at DOT and
HUD share a common vision:
Supporting jurisdictions in designing and deploying
their infrastructure investments in ways that
support equitable development and benefit
residents and businesses through a coordinated
approach to connect transportation with
other crucial investments like housing.
- DOT Notice of Funding Opportunity for $21 million
- HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity for $5 million
https://www.transportation.gov/grants/thriving-communities
Growing community capacity to
take transformative projects from
concept through to delivery

24. • Thriving Communities Program (TCP) recognizes the
power of local communities to drive innovation if
they have the tools to succeed.
• The program will provide hands-on support and
access to a diverse set of Capacity Builders available
to work directly with communities as they build
upon local assets to co-design and advance
infrastructure projects that address critical social,
economic, environmental and mobility needs.
• TCP is designed to ensure that communities have
the tools needed to access the historic funding
provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and
deliver good projects.
Thriving Communities Program
$3.5-6 million
3 Communities
of Practice
30+ Communities
Available to each
selected Capacity Builder
Targeted support to Main Streets,
Complete Neighborhoods, and
Networked Communities Cohorts
Receiving support over two years

25. To Receive Support: Submit a Letter of
Interest (LOI)
• Deadline to apply: December 6, 2022
• Eligible lead applicants: Local, state, or
Tribal governments including pueblos or
villages; United States territories;
metropolitan planning organizations;
transit agencies; other political
subdivisions of state or local governments
• Requirements: Bring at least two
key Community Partners; Identify
Geographic Area of Focus (disadvantaged
community); Submit LOI via fillable online
webform. (No cost to participate)
• Learn more:
https://www.transportation.gov/grants/thriving-
communities/information-for-technical-assistance-seekers
Two Opportunities to Participate
To be Funded as a Capacity Builder:
Respond to Notice of Funding
Opportunity (NOFO)
• Deadline to apply: November 22, 2022
• Eligible lead applicants: Non-profit
organizations; state or local governments and
their agencies (such as transit agencies or
metropolitan planning organizations); Indian
Tribes; philanthropic entities; other technical
assistance providers.
• Capacity Builder role: Provide two years of
direct, individualized deep-dive support to
selected communities; contribute to a
national Community of Practice; and provide
targeted technical support
• Learn more:
https://www.transportation.gov/grants/thriving-
communities/information-for-capacity-builders

26. • Beta launch: June 30
• 12 “Essential” Decoders
• Menu of existing resources
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Info
• Collect feedback / Create Connection
• Fully Functional: Fall 2022
• Search Functionality
• Additional Essential Guides
• Add External Resources
https://transportation.gov/dot-navigator
DOT Navigator

27. Grant Application Resources
• Overview of DOT Funding and Financing
• USDOT Discretionary Grant Process
• Understanding Federal Match Requirements
• How to Navigate Grants.gov to Submit Applications
• Federal Tools to Determine Disadvantaged Community
Status
• Maximizing Award Success
• Is Federal Funding the Right Fit for My Organization?
Understanding theTransportation Context
• What Is a Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA)?
• Glossary of CommonTransportation Acronyms
• Public Involvement
• The Process of MakingTransportation Decisions
APPLY FOR DOT GRANTS:
12 “Essential” Decoders
https://transportation.gov/dot-navigator
DOT Navigator

28. Choose which type of entity you identify
with and then search to see what resources
are available to help answer questions or
provide training and best practices.
•Resources for Local Governments
•Resources for State DOTs
•Resources for Tribal Governments
•Resources for Metropolitan Planning
Organizations (MPOs)
•Resources for Transit Agencies
•Resources for Other Transportation
Stakeholders Including Non-Profits
https://transportation.gov/dot-navigator
DOT Navigator

29. Even More Technical Assistance!
• Rural & Tribal Infrastructure Advancement
 New program in BIL
 $10 Million for legal, technical, and financial advisors to help communities
prepare to apply for select DOT grants & loans; anticipated later this year
 FHWA Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
 51 FHWA supported centers across the US
 Training, technical assistance, and technology transfers for local agencies
• New! Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in
Transportation Decision-Making
 New resource for DOT funding recipients to conduct public involvement in the
transportation space
 More information here: https://www.transportation.gov/public-involvement
29

30. Beyond the DOT
30

31. Rural Partners Network
Designates on-the-ground federal staff as “Community Liaisons” to
support designated economically challenged communities
https://www.rural.gov/
31
• San Carlos Apache Tribe
• Tohono O'odham Nation
• Cocopah Indian Tribe
Arizona
• Southwest Georgia Regional Commission
• Ben Hill County
• Emanuel County
Georgia
• Fulton County
• Kentucky Highlands
Kentucky
• Washington County Economic Alliance
• Greater Granada - Lake District Partnership
• North Delta Planning and Development District
Mississippi
• Northern New Mexico Pathways Economic Development
District
• Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments
• Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority
New Mexico

32. Energy Communities
• Interagency working group
led by the Department of
Energy to help communities
dependent on coal, oil, gas,
and power plants revitalize
their economies and support
energy workers
• Gathers resources and
information on federal
funding opportunities
relevant to energy
communities
• energycommunities.gov/
32

33. 33
Mission
To accelerate an electrified
transportation system that is
affordable, convenient, equitable,
reliable, and safe.
Vision
A future where everyone can ride
and drive electric.​
Joint Office of Energy & Transportation
www.driveelectric.gov

34. Contact Information
www.transportation.gov/rural
rural@dot.gov
34

35. Departmental Priorities
35

36. • Address known safety problems and vulnerabilities
• Protect both motorized and non-motorized users, vulnerable users, and
those with known health and safety risks
• Reduce occurrence of crashes, injuries, and fatalities, including for
underserved, overburdened, or disadvantaged communities
• Increase access to truck parking
• Increase access to sidewalks and bike lanes
• More information available in the DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy
36
Goals and Examples
Departmental emphasis on safety to make our transportation system
safer for all people and advance a future without transportation-related
serious injuries and fatalities.
Example: The project will construct a bridge over Hobbs Creek to connect a rural
community. Due to high water, the at-grade roads crossing the creek are closed an
average of 25 days each year, and other days they are open but unsafe. Since 1995,
eight people have died attempting to cross the creek under high-water conditions,
mostly in attempts to access school or urgent health services. Putting out fires,
transporting the sick and injured, going to school, and law enforcement are
impossible when the water is high, but more than half of the population and two-
thirds of residences are on the east side of the creek. This project would eliminate
deadly creek crossings and have a significant impact on emergency response.

37. • Result in high quality job creation by supporting good-paying jobs
• Result in workforce opportunities for historically underrepresented
groups to support project development
• Increase affordable transportation options and system connectivity to
revitalize communities
• Offer significant regional and national improvements in economic
strength by increasing the economic productivity of land, capital, or
labor, and improving the economic strength of regions and cities
• Improve long-term efficiency, travel time reliability or affordability in the
movement of workers or goods, especially for supply chain bottle necks
• Enhance recreational and tourism opportunities
37
Goals and Examples
Departmental emphasis on economic strength and global
competitiveness to grow an inclusive economy and provide reliable and
efficient access to resources, markets, and jobs.
Example: The project will complete 13.4 miles of rail-to-trail. The project is expected to
create up to 70 long-term jobs, and the application mentioned the trail is a keystone
project under America’s Great Outdoors program, which supports jobs through travel,
tourism, and outdoor recreation activities.

38. • Increase affordable and accessible transportation choices
• Improve access to emergency care, essential services, healthcare
providers, treatment and rehabilitation centers
• Reduce transportation and housing cost burdens, by investing near
public transportation, along rural main streets, or in walkable
neighborhoods
• Engage diverse people and communities and integrate equity into
planning, development, and implementation
• Promote hiring of underrepresented populations and includes
investments in high-quality workforce development programs
• Reduce physical barriers to transportation or create new connections to
opportunity
• Incorporate Universal Design
• More information available in the DOT’s Equity Action Plan
38
Goals and Examples
Departmental emphasis on equity to ensure all communities can benefit
from funding, especially rural and Tribal communities.
Example: The project will construct approximately 2.8 miles of ADA-compliant multi-
use path, construct a pedestrian bridge over the Dixon River using the abandoned
railroad piers, and resurface approximately 0.8 miles of Dale Drive in Hover Park.

39. • Reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation,
or incorporates lower-carbon pavement and construction materials
• Explicitly consider climate change and environmental justice in the
planning and design stage, particularly in communities that
disproportionally experience climate change consequences
• Incorporate electrification or zero emission vehicle infrastructure
• Reduce air or water pollution, recycles or redevelops brownfield sites
• Result in a modal shift that reduces emissions
• Promote energy efficiency
• Improve the resilience of at-risk infrastructure, including upgrade of
projects in floodplains
39
Goals and Examples
Departmental emphasis on climate and sustainability to build more
resilient and sustainabletransportation systems.
Example: A village was relocated due to coastal erosion caused by climate change.
This project will install an approximately 30-mile Geocell trail to connect the village to
the nearby regional commercial hub, including medical services. The project is
environmentally sustainable through its innovative use of Geocell trail infrastructure,
resulting in no permanent loss of wetlands and concentrating inter-village travel onto
one main route as opposed to affecting large swaths of natural habitat.
.

40. • Use innovative technology, such as automated, connected, and electric
vehicles
• Adopt innovative practices in contracting, congestion management,
asset management, or operations and maintenance
• Pursue innovative approaches to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of environmental review and permitting
• Incorporate innovative materials or construction processes which will
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Leverage non-traditional sources of funding for transportation
infrastructure
• Use demand management strategies
40
Goals and Examples
Departmental emphasis on transformation and innovation meet the
challenges of the present and modernize a transportation system of the
future that serves everyone today and in the decades to come.
Example: Due to the increasing number of major flooding events, the project
generates long-term safety benefits by installing electronic warning signs to keep
drivers informed of roadway conditions and vehicles away from flooded roads.