The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) offers the Timber for Transit Program, which aims to advance the use of wood-based materials and composites through applied research and demonstration projects. These materials, such as glued laminated timber, cross-laminated timber, and composite materials, are explored for their suitability in transportation infrastructure and planning, especially to enhance resilience to extreme weather. The program supports transportation infrastructure projects that include roads, railways, airways, waterways, terminals, and other structures that improve mobility and economic access.

The Timber for Transit program provides funding to projects that focus on the feasibility and implementation of using advanced wood materials in transportation infrastructure. The program prioritizes projects that include architectural and engineering designs, cost analyses, and permitting necessary for the implementation of infrastructure projects, as well as those that use commercialized wood products. Projects must be applied research and demonstration-based, rather than basic research. Successful projects will need to showcase the utility of advanced wood materials and highlight their benefits, including readiness for extreme weather events like storm frequency and sea-level rise.

The program gives preference to projects that commit to utilizing domestically sourced timber and demonstrate a focus on planning for extreme weather resilience. Additionally, projects that incorporate education and training for universities and industries, as well as those that align with state and community initiatives, will be prioritized. Projects that support communities impacted by socio-economic challenges, include promotional activities, and engage in publication and marketing are also favored.

Pre-application is required, and applicants must first complete a Project Interest Form and contact the program manager. The pre-application phase is critical for determining project eligibility, classification, and relevance to program priorities. Those invited to apply after this phase will submit a full application. Full applications are only accepted from entities that have been specifically invited and must be submitted using the NBRC Grants Management System. The application process includes a scoring system, and projects are selected by a vote from the Commission's Governors' Alternates and the Federal Co-Chair.

Applicants must be located within certain counties that meet the economic and demographic distress criteria set by the NBRC. In some cases, projects located in Attainment Counties can still be eligible if they are part of a multi-county project or are located in Isolated Areas of Distress. A Significant Benefit Waiver allows exceptions for projects that bring significant economic benefits to distressed or transitional counties.

The program is open to a wide variety of applicants, including state and local governments, non-profit entities, federally recognized Indian tribes, and certain political subdivisions of the states. For-profit entities, LLCs, and others that are not 501(c) organizations are not eligible to apply for funding through this program.