Request for Information on ‘Thriving Communities’ –-Due August 26

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released on August 5, a request for information (RFI) on its Thriving Communities initiative. The new initiative is intended to ‘provide technical assistance and capacity building resources to improve and foster thriving communities through transportation improvements.’ Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), several new discretionary funding transportation programs were created specifically to address the needs of disadvantaged communities.

Through these new discretionary programs that will primarily be implemented through the Transportation Secretary’s office, local governments, non-profits, tribal governments, and other political subdivisions of state or local governments, can directly apply for federal funding. Additionally, U.S. DOT has created a Navigator to assist communities in understanding how to apply for these grants and in planning for transformative infrastructure projects.