The RAISE program has been helping projects across the country that make local or regional impacts. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill made $1.5 billion available for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. 

“The RAISE program helps communities large and small fix and modernize their infrastructure,” Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a February release. “This year, thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can support more projects than ever, and help make our transportation system safer, more accessible, and more sustainable for people across the country.”

Grants under the RAISE program are awarded to projects that meet various criteria, including safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, economic competitiveness and opportunity, state of good repair, partnership, innovation, universal design, and accessibility for travelers.

$15 million is guaranteed to go towards projects in communities with persistent poverty. The DOT selects projects that have the most significant impact on the community while also being safe for the community and environment. 

In 2021, RAISE funded 90 projects throughout the nation, and the $1.5 billion is a 50% increase over the funds available in 2021.