Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program - American Cities Climate Challenge
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Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program (TIFIA)

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Build America Bureau

Purpose

To provide credit assistance for qualified projects of regional and national significance, filling market gaps and leveraging substantial private co-investment through supplemental, subordinate investment in critical improvements to the nation's transportation system.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants include state governments, state infrastructure banks, private firms, special authorities, local governments, and transportation improvement districts. Projects must have a minimum anticipated cost of $10-50 million (depending on project type) and a dedicated loan repayment source.

Decarbonization Considerations

Eligible programs include Intelligent Transportation Systems, Intermodal Connectors, Transit Vehicles and Facilities, Intercity Buses and Facilities, Transit Oriented Development, and more.

Equity Considerations

See the "Equity Design Considerations for Federal Funding" for general considerations and additional sector-based resources: https://cityrenewables.org/resources/equity-design-considerations-for-federal-funding/

Helpful Tips

TIFA intends to facilitate projects with significant public benefits, encourage new revenue streams and private participation, fill capital market gaps for secondary/subordinate capital, and limit Federal exposure by relying on market discipline. The granter intends to be a flexible, "patient" investor willing to take on investor concerns about investment horizon, liquidity, predictability and risk.

Other Notes

Smaller projects can apply through the streamlined "TIFIA Lite" program. For this: Borrower should be (1) a public or publicly-sponsored entity; (2) experienced with debt financing, such as prior TIFIA, RRIF, or commercial loans; and (3) willing to accept the terms of the standard TIFIA loan agreement template with little to no negotiation. Projects should be (1) shovel-ready with all permits and licensing completed; (2) given an investment grade rating from a nationally-recognized agency; and (3) posess a loan repayment source in the form of a general obligation pledge, dedicated tax revenue pledge, or government appropriations.

Deadline (Announced or Anticipated)

Rolling

Funding Available

N/A

Max Award Amount

N/A

Expected Allocations

N/A

Average Award (Estimated)

N/A

Matching Funds

Credit assistance limited to 33% of reasonably anticipated eligible project costs

Go to Program Website
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