WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/02/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), announced the expansion of a popular program which helps fund local infrastructure projects.
In 2021, the program (RAISE) funded 90 projects in 47 states, including two large projects in Minnesota. The $1.5 billion in available funding for 2022 represents a 50 percent increase compared to last year thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Senators Klobuchar and Smith helped pass in November 2021.
“Investments in transportation infrastructure serve as down-payments on the economic well-being of our state and country,” said Senator Klobuchar. “RAISE grants provide resources that will make a big difference as we continue working to build safe, accessible local transportation networks throughout Minnesota. I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and am glad to see it will benefit our local communities through programs like RAISE. I encourage eligible organizations to apply by the April 14 deadline.”
“RAISE Grants help communities across the country fix and modernize their infrastructure,” said Senator Smith. “I am proud of our work to expand and improve this program so that we can support more projects than ever and make Minnesota’s transportation system more resilient, safe, and accessible.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation has begun accepting applications for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. RAISE discretionary grants can be used for a wide variety of projects that help communities across the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact.
Last year in Minnesota, RAISE grants helped reconstruct and revitalize nearly four miles of TH-5 and TH-61 through St. Paul and Maplewood. The program also funded the US 169 and TH-282 Interchange improvements, which redeveloped major portions of the interchange at TH-282/County Highway 9 and a bridge over the Union Pacific railroad line.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available here. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. EST on April 14, 2022, and selections will be announced no later than August 12, 2022.