Reconnecting Communities is a U.S. Department of Transportation program focused on reconnecting communities divided by transportation infrastructure. For public owners, the program can support work that addresses barriers such as highways and other transportation facilities. Civil engineering firms can help applicants develop a project, prepare an application, and deliver the work if selected.
The official program page describes the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as the basis for FHWA programs and activities through September 30, 2026. Check the official Reconnecting Communities program page for current information before making plans.
What it funds
The program supports efforts to reconnect communities affected by transportation infrastructure. Depending on the active funding opportunity, this may include planning, project development, or implementation work. A proposed project should explain how the transportation barrier affects the community and how the work would address that barrier.
Applicants should confirm which activities and expenses are eligible in the current official program materials before shaping a scope or budget.
Who applies
Public agencies apply for federal grant funding. The official program page says that many IIJA programs allow local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Tribes, and other public authorities to compete directly.
Consultants support the agency's application and project delivery. They do not receive the grant as a substitute applicant when the funding opportunity is designed for public owners.
Award size and funding available
Those details can vary by funding opportunity. Check the official program page and the applicable funding notice for current amounts and cost-share rules.
The official program page cites $350 billion in highway program investments over five years under the IIJA. That figure is for highway programs overall, not the amount available to Reconnecting Communities applicants.
Cycle and current status
The official program page says the IIJA provides the basis for FHWA programs and activities through September 30, 2026. Check the official program page for the latest notice and application instructions.
USDOT and FHWA publish a Competitive Grant Funding Matrix organized by applicant type. Owners can use the matrix to identify programs that may fit their organization, then confirm details in the official notice.
How consultants win the design work
The public agency applies for the grant. The agency separately selects consultants for planning, benefit-cost analysis, grant-writing support where allowed, design, and construction-phase services. Selection for professional engineering services is generally based on qualifications-based selection, or QBS, when applicable procurement rules require it.
Consultants should monitor agency procurement notices and prepare clear qualifications that match the anticipated scope. Grant-funded work remains subject to applicable federal, state, and local procurement requirements. Owners should confirm the rules for the specific funding source and contract before soliciting or awarding consultant services.
What owners should do now
- Describe the transportation barrier, who it affects, and the public purpose of addressing it.
- Identify the agency that will apply and confirm its eligibility in the current funding notice.
- Build a project scope and cost estimate, then check eligible activities, match rules, and award limits on the official program page.
- Plan consultant procurement early. Set out the needed planning, analysis, grant support, design, and construction-phase services, and follow the applicable procurement requirements.
Official program page: https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting. Check it for current notices of funding opportunity before advising a client.
