The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued Amendment #1 to Funding Opportunity Number 693JJ324NF00014 for the Strategic Innovation for Revenue Collection (SIRC) Program. This amendment announces critical details regarding an Informational Webinar scheduled for April 17, 2024, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Eastern). Interested participants are encouraged to register via the provided Zoom link. The amendment clarifies that all other terms, conditions, and requirements stated in the original Notice of Funding Opportunity remain unchanged. This initiative is part of the federal efforts to enhance revenue collection strategies, potentially influencing stakeholders involved in transportation funding and resource management. The webinar aims to inform potential applicants about the program's specifics and the funding process.
The Strategic Innovation for Revenue Collection (SIRC) Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to explore feasibility of user-based alternative revenue mechanisms, particularly road usage fees, to support the Highway Trust Fund's solvency. With $15 million allocated annually from FY 2022 through FY 2026, grants are available for State and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and multi-jurisdictional groups to initiate pilot projects. Eligible proposals should address objectives like the design, equity, and implementation of revenue mechanisms, as well as public awareness and compliance evaluation.
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, with no requirement for proposals to be part of existing State Transportation Improvement Plans. Non-Federal matching funds can include in-kind services, and collaborations with other federal grants are permitted, provided the same project is not funded double. The SIRC Program encourages innovation and scalability, with evaluations emphasizing technical merit, cost, and collaboration. Feedback sessions for non-selected applicants may be requested. The program focuses on developing robust and effective alternatives to traditional funding sources for transportation infrastructure while ensuring equitable access across different user demographics.