The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, previously referred to as BUILD and TIGER, is a crucial discretionary grant initiative from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). It aims to invest in transformative transportation projects, including roads, railways, transit, and ports, aligned with national objectives while promoting sustainability and equity.
RAISE focuses on supporting complex projects involving multiple modes of transportation and jurisdictions, which might face difficulties securing funding through conventional USDOT programs. The program has also expanded its focus on zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, particularly EV charging, in the fiscal year 2021.
The RAISE Discretionary Grant program provides the Department of Transportation a notable opportunity to invest in diverse transportation projects aimed at achieving nationwide goals. With an allocation of nearly $14.3 billion across fifteen rounds of National Infrastructure Investments, Congress demonstrates a commitment to financing projects of significant local or regional importance. The selection process is rigorous due to the high number of applications received, as projects compete for funding to enhance both freight and passenger transportation networks. This approach allows the DOT to assess projects based on merit, ensuring taxpayers receive value for their investments.
A distinctive feature of the program is its eligibility requirements, enabling state and local-level sponsors to secure funding for intricate multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional endeavors, often overlooked by traditional DOT funding. Unlike federal programs that primarily allocate funds to specific groups, RAISE offers flexibility by directly funding various public entities, such as municipalities, counties, port authorities, and tribal governments. This adaptability empowers RAISE and its counterparts at the state and local levels to collaborate with entities responsible for maintaining significant portions of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, bridging gaps in federal support.
Funding Details
RAISE offers a unique opportunity for project sponsors at the State and local levels to secure funding for projects that transcend individual modes of transportation. Key funding details include:
- Eligible EV Activities: RAISE supports a variety of EV-related activities, encompassing LDV (light-duty vehicle) charging, infrastructure planning, commercial charging, and public transportation charging. This marks a proactive step toward the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions.
- Eligible Applicants: The program welcomes applications from States, Tribes, localities, and transportation providers. By encompassing such a diverse range of applicants, RAISE encourages collaboration and partnerships in the pursuit of comprehensive transportation projects.
- FY22 Grant Ranges:
- Capital Awards: $1,100,000 – $25,000,000
- Planning Activities: $260,000 – $25,000,000
- Frequency: The program operates on an annual basis, providing a consistent avenue for funding opportunities that align with its objectives.
- Match Requirement: The match requirement varies based on project characteristics:
- Rural projects and projects in Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities: 100% Federal share of net capital project costs
- Urban projects: 80% Federal share of net capital project costs
Eligibility Criteria
RAISE’s eligibility criteria cater to projects that are multimodal and span multiple jurisdictions. The program’s inclination towards these types of projects aims to address challenges that such initiatives often face when seeking funding from traditional USDOT programs. With a focus on promoting sustainability and equity, the program encourages applications from various entities, including States, Tribes, localities, and transportation providers.
Application Process: The application process for RAISE involves submitting comprehensive proposals that detail project objectives, expected outcomes, and alignment with program objectives. The program encourages project sponsors to highlight how their proposals contribute to achieving national objectives, sustainability, and equity.
Key Benefits and Opportunities
Participation in the RAISE program offers several compelling benefits and opportunities for EV charging network operators and other eligible applicants:
- Substantial Funding: The program provides substantial financial support for projects that encompass various modes of transportation, promoting innovative and integrated solutions.
- Sustainability Emphasis: With its increased focus on ZEV infrastructure and EV charging, RAISE contributes to the growth of sustainable transportation solutions and cleaner energy options.
- Collaborative Impact: Multimodal and multi-jurisdictional projects encourage collaboration and partnerships among different stakeholders, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing.
- Equitable Development: By promoting projects that address areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities, RAISE contributes to equitable infrastructure development.
