By Robert Ferrin, CAPP

Back in November I blogged about just how exciting a time it was now that an Infrastructure Bill had been passed.  That excitement is starting to come in focus as guidance is being provided by the federal government on how applicants can access the $1.2 trillion in infrastructure investment being provided over the next several years.  There have been many summary articles written on the Building a Better America (BUILD) program over the past several months.  I encourage you to review the guidance accessed off the https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/ website.  The guidance documents break down the legislation by program focus area.  Some programs that should interest parking and mobility professionals include:

RAISE Grants: An existing program that focuses on road, rail, transit, and other surface transportation projects that will double the funding available to applicants. Applications slated to open in the first quarter of this year.

Bus & Bus Facilities Competitive Grants: Another existing program to replace, rehabilitate, purchase, or lease buses with an emphasis on capital funding for low or no emission bus projects.  Applications slated to open in the first quarter of this year.

Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Grants: Billions of dollars being invested in the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations, as well as hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure.  This program will most likely be accessed through State EPAs as well as directly to larger cities later this year.

Rural Surface Transportation Grant: A new $2 billion program to improve connectivity and expand surface transportation options in rural areas.  Applications slated to open in the first quarter of this year.

And there are many others to review and determine if your program could benefit from these federal dollars.

Be sure to connect with your grant writers, fiscal teams, and parent agencies to get a seat at the table and access these funds for projects that support the goals of the BUILD program.  Let’s position ourselves for success and capitalize on this generational investment in our communities and infrastructure.

Robert Ferrin, CAPP, is assistant director, parking services with the City of Columbus, Ohio, and a member of IPMI’s Board of Directors.