This program was previously the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program. RAISE Grants were for capital and planning investments in surface transportation that will have a significant local or regional impact. Under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding was additionally focused on strengthening infrastructure resilience to all hazards, including climate change.

Eligible Uses

  • Capital Projects: to replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species while advancing the goals of the BUILD program 
  • Planning Grants: Planning, preparation, or design of eligible surface transportation capital projects described in the Capital Projects section that will not result in construction with FY 2025 BUILD funding.
    • For example: environmental analysis, community engagement, feasibility studies, benefit-cost analysis, and other pre-construction activities

Eligible Recipients

State, local, and tribal governments; territories; a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by one or more states; a special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority; a consortium of such Indian tribes; a transit agency; and a multi-state or multi-jurisdictional group of entities are all eligible.

Approx Annual Funding Amount

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $1.5 billion annually for the RAISE program for FY 2022-2026. The BUILD program will administer this funding in FY26.

Cost Share Requirements

  • An 80% federal share with a 20% non-federal match is required, unless a project is located in a rural area, a historically disadvantaged community, or an area of persistent poverty and the federal share may be raised above 80%.

Application Cycle

Applications typically open 4th quarter and are due by January or February.

Contact

BUILDgrants@dot.gov

Other Info

Applicants submitting capital grant applications for projects located in rural areas must request at least $1 million in BUILD funding. Applicants submitting capital grant applications for projects located in urban areas must request at least $5 million in BUILD funding.