Technical Assistance for Counties: USDOT Competitive Grant Lifecycle

On March 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) posted a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Almost $1 billion is available for distribution under the grant program, which supports safety planning and improvement projects on locally owned transportation networks.

Partnering with a non-profit and local businesses, Alameda County, Calif. created a program to fix cars and donate cars, helping people who live and work in transit deserts.

The BASICS Act could make a big difference in places like Rapides Parish, La., where local government is treading water with its infrastructure investments, rather than swimming ahead.

On March 18, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced Dalilah’s Law (H.R. 5688). This bill would set new rules for states regarding the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), as well as implement other changes to trucking policy. The bill would penalize states that do not comply with new requirements by withholding certain federal transportation funds, which could affect funding to counties.

On Mar. 18, Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the FLAP Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize and extend the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP). FLAP provides essential funding for transportation projects on or adjacent to federal lands in gateway communities.