https://www.transportation.gov/grants/thriving-communities/philanthropy

Thriving Communities Initiative

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/thriving-communities/philanthropy

As DOT works to implement the historic funding opportunities created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and other critical federal investments in climate, environmental justice, and economic development, we recognize that our programs and projects will have greater impact and reach if we partner with a broad set of stakeholders—including philanthropic organizations. Around the country, philanthropy often plays important roles as funders, conveners, and leaders in their own communities and nationally.

In a number of areas—including climate, workforce development and labor, economic opportunity, access, equity, and mobility—we know that DOT programs will be more effective if they provide robust opportunities for engagement with a diverse set of community voices as well as those leading in these areas working in the private, nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors.

Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA)

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/what-is-a-benefit-cost-analysis

A benefit-cost analysis (BCA) is a systematic process for identifying, quantifying, and comparing expected benefits and costs of an investment, action, or policy. Common uses of BCA at DOT include regulatory impact analysis and policy analysis, as well as infrastructure project evaluation.

BCA provides a useful benchmark from which to evaluate and compare potential transportation investments, policies, and decisions. It also helps add greater rigor to the project and policy evaluation process.

DOT Discretionary Grant Programs that Require a Benefit-Cost Analysis

Many DOT discretionary grant programs require a BCA for projects seeking federal funding, particularly those involving construction projects. Those programs include:

• Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program 
• National Infrastructure Project Assistance program (Mega)
• Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects Grants Program (INFRA)
• Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (Rural)
• Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program
• Bridge Investment Program – FHWA
• Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation Program (PROTECT) (Resilience Improvement Grants and Community Resilience and Evacuation Route Grants only) – FHWA
• Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Grants (Large Projects only) – MARAD
• Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program – FRA
• Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP-National Grants only) – FRA

As applicable to the program and project type, USDOT recommends applicants make use of the Department’s Benefit-Cost Analysis Guidance for Discretionary Grant Programs. This document, which is updated each fiscal year, contains an overview of BCA, discussion of BCA methodologies, recommended values for key parameters, and sample calculations to aid applicants in the development of their BCA.

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Use of DOT Funds for Public Involvement

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/use-of-dot-funds-for-public-involvement