The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, making $1.5 billion available for infrastructure projects nationwide in Fiscal Year 2026.
According to the department, the funding will support surface transportation projects with the potential for significant local or regional impact, including highway, rail, port, and truck parking initiatives. Projects will be evaluated competitively for planning or construction activities that improve safety, mobility, economic competitiveness, community connectivity, and the overall travel experience.
The department said the merit criteria for this round of BUILD grants will prioritize projects that increase safety, expand transportation options, and improve efficiency. Eligible projects may also focus on roadway capacity, affordability, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, intuitive design features, family-oriented facilities, tourism support, and energy-related infrastructure needs.
“Under President Trump, America is building again,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg twisted these grants to advance their radical climate and social agenda. We’ve ripped out the red tape and refocused the program on advancing safe and innovative projects that lower costs and improve America’s outdated transportation networks.”
The BUILD program, originally established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is designed to fund transportation investments that improve safety, quality of life, state of good repair, innovation, and collaboration among public and private partners. As of July 2025, the program has awarded more than $18 billion across 18 funding rounds to states, local governments, Tribal entities, transit agencies, port authorities, and other eligible applicants.
The Transportation Department said applications for this funding round are due by February 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.