Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Competitive Program

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Federal Highway Administration (FHA)

Purpose

To improve the resiliency of transportation infrastructure, including community resilience and evacuation route grants, and at-risk coastal infrastructure grants.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants for the competitive portion of the PROTECT program include: state (or political subdivision of a State), MPO, local government, special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, Tribe, Federal land management agency (applying jointly with State(s)); Different eligibilities apply for at-risk coastal infrastructure grants.

Decarbonization Considerations

The PROTECT Formula Program will support planning, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk coastal infrastructure. The extent to which eligible use of funds include projects like the utilization of renewable energy, energy storage, and microgrids for resilience ends is still "to be determined" at this time. Consider opportunities to enhance resiliency of multi-modal transit and rail.

Equity Considerations

This is an opportunity to integrate how states and local public agencies conduct comprehensive planning and make investments for decarbonization, resilience, and energy justice and equity objectives.

Helpful Tips

Consider using DOT's new mapping tool "Identifying Transportation Disadvantaged Census Tracts" https://usdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/d6f90dfcc8b44525b04c7ce748a3674a

Other Notes

First round of funds apportioned in December 2021. However, funding not distributed due to the continuing resolution.