Image from Marcan Tiger Preserve.

The fourth round of the popular TIGER funding program was announced this morning by USDOT. The program can be used to fund virtually any kind of transportation project, and is extremely competitive nationally. The DC area has been successful in the past, and may put forth another regional application.

Here are the details of the program:

• It provides a total of $500 million, with several sub-categories.
  • Up to $100 million may be used for intercity passenger rail. USDOT says this will be a priority this round.
  • At least $120 million must go to projects located in rural areas.
  • Up to $175 million may be used to leverage loans under the TIFIA program.
  • The remaining $105-280 million (depending on the amount used for TIFIA) will go towards “traditional” TIGER recipients such as ports, transit, roads, cycling, and complete streets projects.
• For projects located in urban areas:
  • There must be a minimum 20% local funding match.
  • The minimum grant award shall be $10 million, meaning the minimum project size (with local match) is $12.5 million.
  • The maximum award is $200 million, but it is unlikely any awards will be larger than $20 million.
• For projects in rural areas:
  • There is no required local match.
  • Projects may be as small as $1 million.
• Pre-applications are due February 20, and final applications on March 19. This is an incredibly short turnaround time.
• Funds received under the program must be obligated no later than September 30, 2013. “Obligation” is a specific federal term. It does not mean projects have to be completed by that time, but rather means they must have passed through the extensive federal planning process. This deadline essentially means that only projects which have already begun planning, or which can be planned unusually quickly, are eligible.
• As is always the case with TIGER grants, regional collaboration is encouraged, and USDOT will strive for equitable geographic distribution of funds around the country.