As a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill passed last November, several new sources of funding will soon become available that can directly benefit local governments, particularly in smart transportation projects. As grants and funding become available, BCL IT Consulting will do its best to notify you of updates. Right now we are watching:
Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants
Who can receive funding?
State, local and tribal governments.
What does it fund?
Demonstration projects to advance smart city or community technologies and systems to improve:
- transportation efficiency and safety,
- building out autonomous and connected vehicles infrastructure.
Learn more:
https://www.naco.org/resources/legislative-analysis-counties-infrastructure-investment-jobs-act
https://www.morningbrew.com/emerging-tech/stories/2021/11/17/tucked-away-in-the-usd1-trillion-infrastructure-bill-is-usd500-million-for-smart-city-projects
Smart Community Resource Center
What is it?
An online resource, established by the Department of Transportation in partnership with Operating Administrations and other Federal Agencies, on the intelligent transportation systems and smart communities approaches for use by state, local and tribal government.
Learn more:
https://www.its.dot.gov/press/2021/smartcities_communities.htm
Ohio Funding: “Safe Streets and Roads for All”
Who can receive funding?
Local and tribal governments in Ohio.
What does it fund?
Approximately $6 billion will be available to support efforts to advance “vision zero” plans and other improvements to reduce crashes and fatalities, especially for cyclists and pedestrians.
Learn more:
https://www.greaterohio.org/iija-2021
Ohio Funding: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
Who can receive funding?
Ohio can expect to receive approximately $78.2 million over five years in funding to augment their commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety efforts to reduce CMV crashes through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) formula grant. This represents about a 61% increase in funding compared to FAST Act levels (4).
What does it fund?
Ohio will be able to apply for funds to modernize data collection systems to collect near-real-time data on all reported crashes, including fatal ones, to enhance safety and to allow the Department to understand and address trends as they are identified.
Ohio communities will also be eligible to apply for grants for community-owned utilities to support the repair or replacement of leaky and unsafe cast iron and bare steel natural gas distribution pipelines, some of which are over 100 years old.