USDOT Makes $1.5B in BUILD Grants Available for Transportation Projects
Key Highlights
- USDOT has opened applications for $1.5 billion in BUILD grants for Fiscal Year 2026.
- The program supports local and regional transportation projects focused on safety, mobility and community connectivity.
- Applications must be submitted by Feb. 24, with grants awarded based on wide-ranging economic and infrastructure benefits.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced $1.5 billion in federal grants will be made available to states and local agencies to advance transportation projects, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) press release.
The funding is part of the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, which will be available for Fiscal Year 2026 to local governments, public agencies or public authorities with transportation responsibilities, according to USDOT’s Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Grant Program Priorities and Eligible Uses
According to USDOT, the BUILD grants will prioritize projects that improve transportation safety expand local transportation options.
Eligible uses also include transportation infrastructure beautification projects, roadway capacity improvements, cost-reduction measures and the creation of dedicated facilities for mothers.
Additional eligible project elements include improving accessibility, incorporating intuitive design elements, clear signage and predictable layouts for caregivers and initiatives that increase tourism opportunities and support U.S. energy dominance, USDOT stated.
Selection Criteria and Application Timeline
USDOT noted that the BUILD program seeks to identify transportation projects with outsized impacts on local or regional transportation systems.
Grants applications will be evaluated based on their anticipated benefits to safety, mobility, quality of life, community connectivity, the economy, tourism, infrastructure condition, partnership and collaboration and innovation, according to the release.
Since the program’s establishment in 2009, USDOT has awarded more than $18 billion across 18 funding rounds as of July 2025.
Applications for Fiscal Year 2026 BUILD grants are due by Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. EST, USDOT said.
Sources: USDOT