On July 5th, 2023, The Department of Transportation announced that it is now taking applications for the Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods Program (RCN), which combines and streamlines two programs – the Reconnecting Communities Program and Neighborhood Access and Equity Program.
Section 60501 of the Inflation Reduction Act established the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program that funds projects that remove physical barriers as well as projects to improve walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Available funding being announced today includes: $3.155 billion for the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, of which the Department expects to award up to $135 million to Community Planning Grants, $2.57 billion to Capital Construction Grants, and $450 million to Regional Partnerships Challenge Grants, designed to incentivize regions to come together to leverage federal, state, and regional funding and policies to tackle problems.
This program is covered under the administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm EDT on September 28th, 2023. Applicants may find the NOFO, FAQs, and other resources at: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rcnprogram.