Competitive Highway Bridge Program

The FY 2024 Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP), administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation, aims to support projects for highway bridge replacement or rehabilitation on public roads. This program emphasizes cost savings through bundling multiple bridge projects, focusing on states with specific population density and bridge condition thresholds. Up to $250 million in funding is available, with an anticipated 15 federal awards. Funds must be obligated by September 30, 2027, and expended by September 30, 2032. There is no specified minimum or maximum award size.

The program's goals include maintaining a state of good repair for bridges, improving mobility and safety, promoting innovation and environmental stewardship, addressing equity and workforce barriers, and supporting climate resilience. Eligible applicants include State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in states meeting defined criteria, such as population density below 115 individuals per square mile and significant proportions of bridges in poor condition. Eligible states include Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, and others. Applications can also involve partnerships between State DOTs and non-state entities, though the State DOT must act as the recipient of grant funds.

Applicants must submit detailed project narratives covering the project's description, budget, merit criteria, project readiness, and alignment with FHWA's priority considerations. Required forms include SF-424, SF-424C, and SF-424D, among others, to be submitted via Grants.gov by March 13, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. To ensure fairness, late or incomplete applications will not be considered unless caused by technical difficulties beyond the applicant's control.

FHWA will evaluate applications based on merit criteria like state of good repair, safety, mobility, innovation, and alignment with climate change and equity goals. Projects will also undergo readiness assessments, examining technical feasibility, financial completeness, and environmental risk. Selection priorities include readiness to obligate funds within 18 months, cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation over replacement, and the provision of benefits like improved traffic safety and multimodal accommodations.

Awarded projects must comply with federal regulations, including environmental reviews, civil rights laws, and domestic preference requirements. Progress and financial reporting are mandatory, alongside participation in evaluations to assess program outcomes. Contact information for program inquiries includes Derek Constable (chbpgrant@dot.gov) and Douglas Blades, with office hours from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Applicants are encouraged to submit questions early and can find additional resources and updates on the FHWA website and Grants.gov.