DOT Issues Rules for Discretionary Grant Program

US DOT issued rules that will apply to the newly created discretionary grant program that was created in the economic recovery act. The "Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants" program is provides $1.5 billion in discretionary grants that are to be awarded through a competitive procedure. Surface transportation capital projects costing between $20 and $300 million are eligible. Selection criteria for projects includes potential long term outcomes including: improving conditions on existing facilities, economic competitiveness, livability, sustainability, safety. Job creation and economic stimulus will also be selection factors. Secondary criteria include innovation and partnership.  Up to $200 million of the grant funds can be allocated for the existing Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Program (TIFIA).