Local communities, state governments, and tribal jurisdictions are now eligible to apply for over $180 million in grants intended to improve their roads. This announcement comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), with the aim of enhancing the safety of commercial motor vehicles on highways.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated, "When we improve technology, training, and tools to make our roadways safer for truck and bus drivers, everyone benefits." He added that "The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to announce more than $180 million to make commercial vehicle driving safer and more efficient while creating onramps for veterans and military families entering these great careers."

According to a DOT news release, this initiative supports the National Roadway Safety Strategy and advancement of the Safe System Approach. It will utilize FMCSA’s five discretionary grant programs: The High Priority Enforcement Training and Support Grant Program; The Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant Program; The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program; The High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Grant Program; and The High Priority Innovative Technology Deployment Grant Program.

FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless said, "FMCSA’s core mission is safety. That’s a big job, and it’s one we cannot do alone." Lawless continued by saying that "This grant funding is one way we bring in safety partners to help reduce crashes involving large trucks and buses. We are proud to support the critical CMV safety work happening across the country."

Organizations interested in applying for a grant have until Apr. 19 at 5 p.m. to submit their application, according to another DOT news release. Details relating to project eligibility and application requirements can be found on the FMCSA’s Grants website.