USDOT makes $500m in TIGER grants available

The U.S. Transportation Department on Wednesday said $500 million is now available in the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program for state and local infrastructure projects.    The U.S. Transportation Department on Wednesday said $500 million is now available in the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program for state and local infrastructure projects.   
   The 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act appropriated the funds, which are available through Sept. 30, 2020, for the TIGER grants. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis for infrastructure projects that have a significant national, regional or metropolitan impact. Grant amounts may not be less than $5 million, unless in rural locations, or more than $25 million, according to the legislation.
   The fiscal year 2017 TIGER program will give top consideration to those infrastructure projects which “emphasize improved access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for communities in rural areas, such as projects that improve infrastructure condition, address public health and safety, promote regional connectivity, or facilitate economic growth or competitiveness,” DOT said.
   TIGER grant applications for this funding round are due to DOT by Oct. 16.
   Since the TIGER grant program’s formation about $5.1 billion has been awarded for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure over eight rounds of competitive grants.