The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has opened the process for cities, towns, counties, Tribal governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to apply for $1.256 billion in funding for local projects that improve roadway safety. The funds are from the competitive grant program, Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), which will help communities in the development of road safety action plans and improve unsafe roadway corridors by implementing effective interventions. Additionally, these funds can be utilized to test out safety features such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections as well as implement nature-based solutions.
With more than $1 billion available this year, the Department encourages all interested communities to apply, especially communities that have not applied to date. For Planning and Demonstration Grants, USDOT further encourages communities with higher needs to apply by providing additional award consideration to those with higher fatality rates. The Department compiled a non-exhaustive list of the cities and counties that meet that threshold online and will continue to support the information needs of these localities throughout the application period.
The application process for SS4A is designed to be as easy as possible and increased accessibility to this program in this latest funding round, particularly for smaller communities, Tribal governments, and recipients new to Federal funding.
The Federal share of an SS4A grant may not exceed 80 percent of total eligible project costs. Recipients are required to contribute a local matching share of no less than 20 percent of total eligible project costs. Unless otherwise stated, all matching funds must be from non-Federal sources. Tribal Transportation Program and Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds may be used as non-Federal match. In-kind contributions can also be used as matching funds.
Planning and Demonstration Grant applicants will have three opportunities to apply with the deadlines of April 4, May 16, and August 29. The expected grant range for Planning and Demonstration Grants is between $100,000 to $10 million, but USDOT will also accept smaller applications, if necessary. Eligible activities under this grant include 1) Develop or complete a comprehensive safety action plan, 2) Conduct planning, design, and development activities for projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan, or 3) Carry out projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan.
Implementation Grants are due by May 16. The expected grant range for Implementation Grants is between $2.5 to $25 million, but USDOT will accept smaller applications, if necessary. Eligible activities under this grant must implement projects and strategies from an eligible Action Plan and may also 1) Conduct planning and design activities identified in an eligible Action Plan, 2) Conduct supplemental safety planning (in support of an existing safety Action Plan), or 3) Carry out demonstration activities (in support of an existing safety Action plan).
To check that your Action Plan is eligible for an Implementation Grant, USDOT has put together a Self-Certification Eligibility Worksheet. Potential Implementation Grant applicants may submit a completed Self-Certification Eligibility Worksheet and any referenced Action Plan(s) for pre-application review—due by April 17, 2024—so that USDOT may affirm their eligibility to apply for an Implementation Grant. Learn more on the SS4A Pre-Application Action Plan Review page.
Lastly, the SS4A program has put together a wide range of resources to support grant applicants. SS4A grant program resources can be found here. Some resource highlights include:
- Application Checklists: Implementation Grant Checklist and Planning and Demonstration Grant Checklist
- Budget Templates: Implementation Grant Estimated Budget and Planning and Demonstration Grant Estimated Budget
- March 2023 webinar series slides and recordings can be found on the SS4A Webinar Series page