DOT claws $527 million for TIGER III

DOT claws $527 million for TIGER III    The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday it has made $527 million available for a third round of merit-based, competitive TIGER grants to improve infrastructure.
   Projects must demonstrate their ability to meet one or more criteria, including whether they improve U.S. economic growth, safety and community quality of life; as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. States, localities, port authorities, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and coalitions that include private partners are eligible for the grants.
   The DOT distributed $2.1 billion to 126 projects, including 33 planning projects, through the first two rounds of TIGER grants. Intermodal and freight rail was one of the leading sectors to receive money.
   The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program began in 2009 as part of the stimulus bill designed to fund shovel-ready projects and spur job creation. The Recovery Act included $1.5 billion for the TIGER program and the Obama administration followed that up with $600 million in the 2010 budget.
   The $527 million now on the table was approved by Congress in April after passing the long-stalled fiscal year 2011 budget. The Obama administration’s 2012 budget calls for another $2 billion for the popular TIGER program.
   The DOT received more than 2,500 applications seeking $79 billion during the first two rounds.
   The department plans to post the Notice of Funding Availability here later today. It will also host a half-day seminar and webcast at 1-4 p.m., July 18, to offer guidance on the TIGER application process.