U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Department of Transportation has approved 529 infrastructure grants totaling over $2.9 billion. This approval marks a significant milestone, as it brings the total number of cleared projects to more than one-third of the backlog inherited from the previous administration.
"While cynics in the press hysterically warned of doomsday delays, USDOT has been hard at work to get America building again," stated Secretary Duffy. He emphasized that the department is focused on core infrastructure rather than enacting a political agenda, and is committed to removing bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate project progress.
The newly approved grants include funding for projects that were initially announced over three years ago but had not yet been obligated. Notable allocations include $21 million for rail safety improvements near Ann Arbor, Michigan; nearly $12 million for Manatee County Port Authority in Florida; $110 million for a bridge in North Carolina's Outer Banks; and $47 million for the Port of Baltimore.
Under Secretary Duffy's leadership, the Department aims to accelerate funding distribution by eliminating certain requirements deemed non-essential by Congress. These include social cost of carbon accounting and greenhouse gas emission reporting, which have previously increased costs and delayed projects.
The breakdown of these 529 grants spans several agencies within the Department:
- The Federal Aviation Administration will fund airport improvement and terminal programs.
- The Federal Highway Administration will support bridge investments and congestion relief efforts.
- The Federal Railroad Administration will focus on rail infrastructure and safety improvements.
- The Federal Transit Administration will enhance accessibility programs and bus facilities.
- The Maritime Administration will invest in port infrastructure development.
- The Office of the Secretary of Transportation will manage various grant programs aimed at leveraging development investments.
Secretary Duffy’s initiative aims to streamline processes and reduce costs associated with infrastructure projects across the country.
