Mass. IIJA overview: MPO hears how bipartisan infrastructure law could deliver bridge, EV and resiliency funds to Cape Cod

The Cape Cod MPO received a briefing on March 21 about the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and what it could mean for the region’s transportation funding and programs.

Derek Gravatt (presenter) described the IIJA as the five-year surface transportation reauthorization for FY2022–2026, which both continues core formula programs (CMAQ, HSIP, STBG) and adds new formula programs and supplemental-appropriation programs. He said the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 unlocks 2022 funding in the law and enables access to new programs such as a bridge formula program, the PROTECT resiliency program, a carbon-reduction program, and a new EV charging infrastructure program. Derek noted program-level Massachusetts amounts (for example roughly $106 million for the PROTECT program and $93.7 million for the carbon-reduction program) and estimated that the Cape Cod MPO region could receive roughly $9 million across 2023–2026 from formula increases — about $2.1 million per year — recognizing distribution via regional targets and the state.

Derek walked through discretionary grant programs that may be of interest to municipalities and MPOs, including RAISE, asset-project assistance for larger “mega” projects, Safe Streets and Roads for All, a bridge investment discretionary program, PROTECT discretionary funds focused on coastal resiliency, charging-and-fueling infrastructure grants (divided between corridor and community funding), rural surface transportation grants and a Reconnecting Communities pilot program. He emphasized eligibility differences among formula, supplemental appropriations and appropriations-subject-to-appropriations categories and noted federal requirements for the EV charging program (FHWA-approved EV infrastructure plan before obligations) and upcoming NOFOs and webinars.

Members asked about school-district bus electrification and vehicle purchases and whether those would be eligible. Derek said most IIJA funding is targeted toward charging infrastructure but other grant sources (for example EPA programs or specific discretionary NOFOs) could support vehicle electrification; he said he would share links and follow up in the chat. Staff committed to coordinating with towns and regional partners on program opportunities and to share guidance and webinars to reduce applicant burdens for municipalities.

What happens next: staff and regional partners will monitor and share NOFOs, coordinate on regional priorities for bridge and EV funds, and scope required planning documents (for example an EV infrastructure plan) necessary to obligate certain IIJA funds.