The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program solicits applications for Multi-Community grants aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure in rural and tribal areas. Applicants must confirm eligibility, provide detailed organizational information, and outline project specifics, including title, location, and overall objectives. Essential fields include grant type confirmation, contact details, partnership details, and data on congressional districts influenced by the project. Applicants must also discuss financial aspects such as funding requests (between $500,000 and $2,250,000) and demonstrate project readiness with prior development activities. The program emphasizes addressing transportation insecurity and encourages partnerships among community entities, highlighting their collaborative efforts. Performance goals focus on community benefits, capacity building, public engagement, and advancing project delivery, all of which must be supported by measurable metrics. The submission requires certification of accuracy and compliance with federal guidelines. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to supporting rural and tribal areas through targeted funding and assistance for transportation projects.
The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, OMB# 2105-0584, is designed to facilitate Single Project grants for eligible local and tribal entities aiming to improve infrastructure outside urban areas with populations greater than 150,000. The application process requires comprehensive information including entity details, project descriptions, funding requests ranging from $200,000 to $750,000, and evidence of project readiness. Applicants must delineate the project's objectives, transportation challenges it addresses, and how it aligns with the Department of Transportation's (DOT) goals of reducing transportation insecurity. Additionally, a performance metrics framework needs to be established, assessing community benefits and enhancing capacities for project execution. The submission certifies the accuracy of the information provided and compliance with applicable regulations. This program underscores the government's commitment to supporting rural and tribal infrastructure development through structured federal grants.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program, aimed at supporting transportation infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities. This program will provide $27 million in grants for planning and design phase activities, categorized into Single Project grants (funding up to $750,000) and Multi-Community grants (funding up to $2.25 million). Eligible applicants include rural local governments, federally recognized tribes, and state agencies.
The RTA Program encourages projects aligned with DOT's goals of safety, equity, and sustainability. There is no required cost share, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications accepted from March 4, 2025, to April 3, 2025. The selection process evaluates project advancement, experience, cost confidence, and policy alignment with DOT’s strategic priorities. Following selection, grant recipients must adhere to administrative and reporting requirements. This funding opportunity is designed to enhance organizational capacity for local communities to effectively develop and implement transportation projects, ensuring integration within DOT’s broader infrastructure objectives.