Several government agencies sponsor grants to provide capital for constructing and renovating roads, bridges and highway systems in areas across the United States. Grants also cover traffic research projects, traffic and road safety design, and some cover planning and development services. These road improvement grants do not have to be repaid; however, some grant programs require recipients to pay a percentage of the project costs with funds from other sources.

Highway Planning and Construction

The Department of Transportation provides grants to assist state transportation agencies in planning and developing roads that improve traveling and interstate commerce. Grants are used to construct and rehabilitate the National Highway System, Eisenhower Interstate System and other public roads. Funds are also used to demolish and replace obsolete bridges, fund traffic research projects, and improve traffic management and control systems.

Federal Highway Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, District of Columbia 20590 202-366-9494 fhwa.dot.gov

Community Facilities Grant Program

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides grants to communities with less than 20,000 residents to construct, renovate and improve roads. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, tribal government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Up to 75 percent of the project costs can be financed by grant funds. Grant amounts are determined by the community’s income and population levels; areas with the lowest levels will receive higher financial considerations.

Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office U.S. Department of Agriculture Room 5014 South Building 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250 202-720-9619 rurdev.usda.gov

Grants for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities

The Department of Commerce sponsors grants to fund the construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructures and other facilities to improve the economic development in areas receiving funds. Some of the projects covered by the grants include water and sewer systems, roads, eco-industrial facilities, telecommunications and broadband infrastructure improvements, rail spurs, industrial and business parks, and port facilities. Eligible applicants include state, city and county government agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Up to 50 percent of the projects costs are covered by grant funds.

Maureen V. Klovers 1401 Constitution Avenue NW Room 7019 Washington, District of Columbia 20230 202-482-2785 eda.gov