The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) opened applications for a funding initiative aimed at bolstering roadway safety across the nation. A total of $1.3 billion is being offered to cities, towns, counties, Tribal governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program.
This initiative, a key component of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to support local projects geared towards reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries occurring on the nation's highways, streets and roads.
“Every community knows some intersection or stretch of road that is dangerous to approach -- now we have an opportunity to make them safer,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris administration is proud to make over $1.2 billion available for projects that can save lives on our roads, from highway redesigns to protected bike lanes, and we invite communities of every size to apply.”
This announcement comes on the heels of last year’s allocation of $1.7 billion in grants under SS4A, which impacted roadway safety for approximately 70% of the U.S. population, addressing more than 60% of traffic fatalities recorded between 2017 and 2021. With more than $1 billion available this year, the DOT is encouraging communities, especially those that have not previously applied, to take advantage of this opportunity. The program is placing a special emphasis on communities with higher fatality rates, offering them additional award considerations.
The SS4A initiative not only supports the development of road safety action plans but also facilitates the implementation of interventions aimed at improving unsafe roadway corridors. This includes experimenting with safety features like separated bicycle lanes and curb extensions at intersections.
The application process has been designed to increase accessibility, especially for smaller communities, Tribal governments and newcomers to federal funding. This includes a simplified application process, multiple deadlines, a pre-application review to determine eligibility for implementation funding, and specific guidance for using Tribal Transportation Program funds as a local match.
Applications for implementation grants are due May 16. Planning and demonstration grant applicants will have three opportunities to apply --- the deadlines are April 4, May 16 and Aug. 29.
For further information, visit www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A.
