The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is inviting applications for the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) Program for fiscal years 2024 through 2026. This grant program provides funding on a competitive basis for transportation projects of national importance that improve access to or are located on Federal or Tribal lands. Eligible projects include construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure on Federal Lands or Tribal transportation facilities. Each project must be a single continuous project with a minimum estimated cost of $12.5 million and must have completed all required environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Eligible applicants for NSFLTP funding include Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs), Tribal governments, and state, county, or local governments when sponsored by an FLMA or Tribal government. The program offers different funding opportunities each year, with $47.74 million available in 2024 and $55 million available each for 2025 and 2026, subject to funding availability. Importantly, the program covers up to 90% of costs for projects on non-Tribal facilities and up to 100% for projects on Tribal facilities.

Applications will be accepted during specific windows for each fiscal year: from July 17, 2024, to October 16, 2024, for FY 2024; from May 1, 2025, to August 1, 2025, for FY 2025; and from May 1, 2026, to August 1, 2026, for FY 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date for each respective fiscal year. Applicants should allow sufficient time to register on Grants.gov, as this process can take several weeks. The FHWA also plans to hold informational webinars for potential applicants, details for which will be available on the NSFLTP program website.

To apply, applicants must complete the Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance), provide project details including the project description, location, funding sources, and uses, and respond to both primary and secondary merit criteria as defined by FHWA. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate project readiness, including technical feasibility, a detailed project schedule, required approvals, and risk assessments. Project readiness will be assessed based on the likelihood of meeting obligation deadlines, expected technical feasibility, and risk mitigation strategies.

FHWA will evaluate applications based on nine primary merit criteria, including alignment with U.S. Department of Transportation goals for safety, state of good repair, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. Secondary merit criteria, which only apply to non-Tribal facilities, will also be considered. Projects will be evaluated on their technical and engineering soundness, financial sustainability, alignment with federal priorities on equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and other factors.

Grant recipients are expected to follow all federal award requirements and adhere to cost-sharing obligations. Non-Federal matching funds must constitute at least 10% of the project cost for non-Tribal projects and can come from private, state, local, or other Federal sources. All awarded funds must be obligated by the end of the third fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the funds are awarded. Unobligated funds will lapse after this period, and any incurred costs before obligation are not eligible for reimbursement unless specifically authorized by FHWA.

For questions, applicants may contact Frances Ramirez, National Program Manager, or Veronica Jacobson, Grants Management Specialist, through the NSFLTP program’s dedicated email. More information, including program fact sheets, resources, and a contact list of Sponsorship Coordinators for eligible FLMA and Tribal organizations, is available on the NSFLTP program website.