Description
The Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program aims to advance and support the reconnection of communities divided by transportation infrastructure, with a priority on helping disadvantaged communities improve access to daily needs such as jobs, schools, healthcare, grocery stores, and recreation. The program will provide funding for planning and capital construction activities to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of highways, roadways, or other infrastructure facilities that create barriers to mobility, access, or economic development. Eligible applicants include states, units of local government, tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and non-profit organizations. The program will consider applications that meet the statutory requirements for both the RCP and Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) programs, and applicants are encouraged to submit applications that meet the requirements for both programs to maximize their potential for receiving federal support. Some key aspects of the program include:
• Community Planning Grants: funding for planning activities for future construction projects
• Capital Construction Grants: funding to carry out a project to remove, retrofit, mitigate, or replace an existing eligible dividing transportation facility
• Regional Partnerships Challenge Grants: funding to address a persistent regional challenge related to equitable access and mobility
• Technical assistance: DOT will provide technical assistance for grantees and potential grantees under the RCN Program
• Priorities: the program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration policies and priorities, including the DOT Strategic Plan goals of Safety, Economic Strength, Equity, Climate and Sustainability, Transformation, and Organizational Excellence.