U.S. DOT Invests in Underserved Communities

The U.S. Department of Transportation is continuing its efforts to invest in transportation projects located in underserved communities throughout the country, with 13 grants totaling $3.4 million recently awarded through the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (RTA).

The awarded grants included, but were not limited to:

• $320,000 for the design and engineering of Chestnut Street Bridge Replacement in Oregon
• $315,000 for the design of separated pedestrian pathways and lighting for connected communities in California

Application Process

A simple application form was provided through the Build America Bureau, and projects were reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The streamlined approach was considered beneficial by many and resulted in:

• 406 applications
• Financial requests totaling more than $127 million in funding.
• 70 applications totaling $19 million were submitted from Tribal applicants specifically.

Background on RTA

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created a program to fund investments to upgrade infrastructure located in underserved communities known as the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program. This program allots $10 million dollars over a five-year timeframe to provide states, local governments and tribal governments with grants to support infrastructure projects. The grants can support legal, technical and financial advisors to help with these infrastructure projects.

The Administration’s Commitment to Tribal Communities

The awarded grants are an example of the administration’s commitment to improving our nation’s infrastructure and assisting underserved communities.

“The sheer number of applications received, and amount of funding requested demonstrates the tremendous need for funding communities that have historically been left out of federal investment opportunities,” said Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “This is great progress in our mission to help our rural and Tribal partners realize their visions for safer and more efficient transportation options.”

SSSBA is Here to Help!

The American steel industry can meet the demand challenges and opportunities generated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Is a steel bridge an option for your community?

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) provides tools, expertise and educational resources to convert plans into projects.

The SSSBA also offers complimentary customized workshops (on-site or virtual) specifically for county engineers, state DOTs, and design firms. The webinars/workshops are taught by industry experts with decades of experience in the cost-effective design and construction of short span bridges.

For more information or to schedule a workshop, please explore the SSSBA website or contact Dustin Young at dyoung@steel.org.