The U.S. Department of Transportation's Bridge Investment Program (BIP), administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), offers two main types of grants: Planning Grants and Bridge Project Grants, under the authority of 23 U.S.C. 144(b). This opportunity aims to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect bridges listed on the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). The funding spans fiscal years 2023 to 2026 and includes a total of $9.62 billion for bridge projects and up to $20 million annually for planning grants. The program seeks to improve bridge safety, efficiency, and reliability, while leveraging non-federal contributions for infrastructure improvement.

The Planning Grants are designed to fund preliminary activities like feasibility studies and revenue forecasting that help prepare for future applications under the BIP. Projects funded under this category are expected to include thorough planning that could eventually lead to bridge replacement or rehabilitation. The grant aims to help regions address structural deficiencies or risks associated with bridges to enhance the reliability and longevity of key transportation routes. On the other hand, Bridge Project Grants are intended to support actual construction projects related to bridge replacement, rehabilitation, or preservation, with eligible project costs not exceeding $100 million. This includes bundling multiple projects, such as culvert improvements, to promote efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Eligibility for these grants extends to a wide range of applicants, including state governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), local governments, Tribal governments, and federal land management agencies. The grant is open to both single applicants and multi-jurisdictional entities or consortiums. Projects that involve multiple parties should identify a lead applicant to serve as the primary point of contact. All proposed projects must meet requirements under federal, state, and local planning processes, including environmental and financial readiness evaluations.

Bridge Project grants offer up to 80% federal funding of the total eligible project costs, with the remainder needing to come from non-federal sources. However, projects involving off-system bridges, defined as those not part of the federal highway network, are eligible for up to 90% federal funding. For planning grants, there are no specified limits on the federal contribution, although a non-federal match is also required. The funds are available for both immediate and future use, with obligation deadlines extending up to four years after the allocation of the funds.

The application process for both grant types involves submitting detailed project proposals, including descriptions, objectives, schedules, and expected impacts. All applications must be submitted through the federal Grants.gov system, with the application portal opening on December 20, 2023. The deadline for Bridge Project grants is March 19, 2024, for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, while Planning Grant applications must be submitted by February 19, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance, as the approval process, including registration and submission, can take several weeks.

Selection criteria for these grants include improving the condition and safety of bridges, reducing maintenance costs, enhancing mobility, and supporting national economic competitiveness. Applications will also be evaluated on their alignment with federal priorities like climate resilience, equitable economic opportunities, and public safety. To enhance competitiveness, applicants are encouraged to provide thorough benefit-cost analyses (BCAs), including quantitative and qualitative assessments of how the proposed project will contribute to transportation efficiency, community quality of life, and environmental sustainability.

The BIP aims to support projects that address key federal priorities, such as climate change mitigation, sustainability, and equitable community access. Emphasis will be placed on how proposed projects engage and benefit historically disadvantaged communities, enhance job quality and wealth creation, and create equitable access to transportation services. The FHWA also prioritizes projects that promote good-paying jobs, workforce development, and support labor standards through strategies like local hiring preferences and apprenticeships.

Overall, the Bridge Investment Program aims to ensure that critical transportation infrastructure is not only maintained but also enhanced to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability across the nation’s bridge network, ultimately supporting long-term economic growth and resilience.