Federal Impacts
USDOT Announces Updated Safe Streets for All Grant Notice
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program is now accepting applications.
According to the Department of Transportation (USDOT), applications will be due on June 28. This round of funding will provide a total of $982 million, with $580 million for capital implementation grants and $402 million for planning grants.
The grant notice makes several noteworthy changes from previous rounds. The maximum award amount has been changed from $10 million to $5 million. This may make grants more accessible for some smaller communities. The definition for "underserved community" has been changed to be consistent with the "areas of persistent poverty" definition.
The notice also removes references and criteria associated with rescinded Executive Orders (EOs) and aligns with new directives issued by the White House. Action plan requirements and implementation criteria have been updated. These actions generally reduce the emphasis on equity and environmental benefits.
The new round of grants comes as officials continue to review previously awarded but not fully obligated SS4A grants for compliance with new standards based on Executive Orders. This grant notice reflects those policy changes. The short application window, combined with new standards, could prove challenging and reduce demand for a program that has had notable successes in advancing pedestrian safety plans and projects.