Department of Transportation Announces 2011 TIGER Grants

The Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $526 million for the 2011 TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant competition, an initiative aiming to improve national, regional and local transportation infrastructure. Now in its third year, the TIGER Grant program funds various infrastructure construction and improvement projects, including: highway or bridge construction, public transportation initiatives, passenger and freight projects and port infrastructure investments. Improved systems of transportation have the potential to dramatically improve and sustain local communities by sparking economic growth and improving the mobility of residents. As a result, DOT has incorporated principles of community development into the TIGER grant selection criteria.

Competitive grant proposals will demonstrate the potential for long-term transportation benefits, including: increased integration and efficiency of various transportation systems, increased access to transportation services in communities, improved safety initiatives and environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Promoting community development as a long-term benefit of TIGER grants, DOT will utilize the Partnership for Sustainable Communities six Livability Principles in assessing the how proposed projects will provide access to affordable and convenient transportation choices in local communities. Similarly, DOT will assess a proposal’s ability to promote economic growth through job creation, which may be sparked both by infrastructure construction and expanded business opportunities that result from improved access to communities. Detailed information about the selection criteria can be found in the NOFA.

In urban regions, grants will be awarded in amounts no less than $10 million with applicants required to provide a 20% match. In rural communities, grants will be awarded in amounts no less $1million and do not have a match requirement. Eligible applicants include: state, local and tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations and multi-jurisdictional government subdivisions.

Pre-applications are due on October 3^rd and final applications are due October 31^st. Please see the Department of Transportation’s TIGER grants page for more information.