WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of $474 million for a
fifth round of the highly successful TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating
Economic Recovery) competitive grant program to fund surface transportation
projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan
area.
“President Obama has challenged
us to make sure our nation’s transportation infrastructure is up to the job of
attracting and supporting businesses and the families that rely on them,” said
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. “TIGER 2013 will contribute to increased
mobility for people and freight, and economic growth by helping to improve
existing and develop new transportation facilities that will strengthen
our competitiveness and create jobs.”
Projects eligible for TIGER
grants include highways and bridges, public transportation, passenger and
freight rail transportation and marine port infrastructure investments. Grants
may range in size from $10 million to $200 million. Grants to rural areas may
be for less than $10 million, but must be more than $1 million. No less than
$120 million must be awarded to projects in rural areas.
The four previous rounds of
TIGER provided $3.1 billion to support 218 projects in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Demand for the program has been
overwhelming, with more than 4,050 applicants requesting more than $105.2
billion over the previous rounds.
More than 100 of the TIGER
grants were awarded directly to city or county governments that are otherwise
unable to directly access traditional sources of Federal funding for their
projects. Similarly, more than 19 TIGER grants were awarded directly to port
authorities, and eight to tribal governments. TIGER has also helped catalyze 11
multi-state projects, which would have been difficult to advance through Federal
formula programs.
The FY 2013 Appropriations Act
requires that TIGER funds be obligated before October 1, 2014. The limited
amount of time means the Department will give priority to projects that are
ready to proceed quickly. In addition to project readiness, primary selection
criteria include improving the condition of existing transportation facilities
and systems; contributing to the economic competitiveness of the United States
and creating and preserving jobs; increasing transportation choices and access
to transportation services for people in communities across the U.S.; improving
energy efficiency, reducing dependence on oil and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions; and improving safety.
Applications are due June 3.
You can click here to view the Notice of
Funding Availability.