Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA)

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Build America Bureau

Purpose

To fund transportation projects of national and regional significance that are in line with the Biden Administration’s principles for national infrastructure projects that result in good-paying jobs, improve safety, apply transformative technology, and explicitly address climate change and racial equity.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Multi-state or multijurisdictional groups of public entities can apply as well as metropolitan planning organizations that serve an urbanized area. All applications should directly support projects of regional or national significance. Eligible INFRA project costs may include: reconstruction, rehabilitation, acquisition of property (including land related to the project and improvements to the land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, equipment acquisition, and operational improvements directly related to system performance.

Decarbonization Considerations

This program is intended to upgrade the nation's freight transportation infrastructure and include components that reduce emissions, promote energy efficiency, incorporate electrification or zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, increase resiliency, and recycle or redevelop existing infrastructure. Consider projects that electrify freight operations and transport or create/enhance charging networks for light- and heavy-duty trucks.

Equity Considerations

USDOT has added two new evaluation criteria: 1) climate change and environmental justice and 2) racial equity and reducing barriers to opportunity. It will also consider whether the project is located in a federally designated community development zone, including qualified Opportunity Zones, Empowerment Zones, Promise Zones, or Choice Neighborhoods. In addition, at least 25% of the funds provided must be used for projects located in rural areas.

Helpful Tips

New consideration has been given to project labor agreements and local hiring as important aspects of economic vitality and innovative project delivery. The innovation criterion has also been expanded to include technology such as vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and electrification.

Other Notes

The FY 2021 INFRA competition continues to focus on themes of supporting economic vitality, leveraging federal funding, innovation, and performance and accountability, in addition to the two new criteria.