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The federal government will offer $500 million in funding in the fourth round of the fiercely competitive TIGER program, which supports surface transportation projects that have a significant impact at the local, regional or national levels.
Demand has been overwhelming for funds under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant program, with applications for more than $95 billion in aid wildly outstripping the $2.6 billion available in the program’s first three rounds.
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GogonaÅŸ / Creative Commons |
| TIGER II provided $20 million to replace the Memorial Bridge that connects Portsmouth, NH, with Kittery, ME. The span has a sufficiency rating of six out of 100. |
As with the first three rounds, TIGER 2012 grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure.
‘Jobs for Americans Today’
“President Obama made clear in his State of the Union address that investing in transportation means putting people back to work, and that’s just what our TIGER program is doing in communities across the country,” said Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, in announcing the new round of funding last week.
“Americans are demanding investments in highways, ports, commuter rail, streetcars, buses, and high-speed rail. These kinds of projects not only mean a stronger economic future for the U.S., but jobs for Americans today.”
3,300 Applications; 172 Recipients
More than 3,300 applications were submitted for the first three rounds of the program; 172 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico received funds.
In December, DOT released $511 million for 46 projects under TIGER III. In TIGER II, 42 capital construction projects and 33 planning projects shared in nearly $600 million. TIGER I disbursed $1.5 billion after being swamped by 1,500 applications totaling nearly $60 billion.
Rail, Rural Projects Eligible
As in previous rounds, high-speed rail and intercity passenger rail projects remain eligible for funding. Up to $100 million may be used toward these projects under TIGER 2012. The program will also provide $120 million for rural transportation projects.
Money for TIGER 2012 was part of the FY 2012 Appropriations Act, which the President signed in November.
Projects for TIGER 2012 will be evaluated primarily on safety, economic competitiveness, livability, environmental sustainability, state of repair and short-term job creation.
Pre-applications are due Feb. 20; applications are due March 19. Full details are available in the Notice of Availability.
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