Description
The PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program provides funding to plan for and strengthen surface transportation to be more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. The program aims to reduce damage and disruption to the transportation system, improve the safety of the traveling public, and improve equity by addressing the needs of disadvantaged populations that are often the most vulnerable to hazards. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other public authorities with a transportation function. The program has four funding categories: Planning Grants, Resilience Improvement Grants, Community Resilience and Evacuation Route Grants, and At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure Grants. Some key points to consider:
* Eligible projects must be primarily focused on transportation and must address the impacts of natural hazards.
* Applicants must demonstrate a strong need for the funding and must have the capacity to carry out the proposed project.
* The program has a 25% rural set-aside and a 10% limitation on the amount of PROTECT grant funds that may be used for eligible project development (pre-construction) activities.
* The program requires a 20% non-Federal match, but this can be reduced to 10% for certain projects.
* The program has a benefit-cost analysis requirement, but this can be waived for certain projects.
* The program has a priority consideration for projects that are included in a Resilience Improvement Plan.
* The program has a maximum allowable timeframe for spending down planning funds, and awards must be obligated by September 30, 2025, for FY 2022 funds and September 30, 2026, for FY 2023 funds.