New Rural Toolkit for Transportation Grants | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    Rural infrastructure has been overlooked and neglected for far too long across this country. Poor infrastructure compromises safety, impedes economic development and job creation, and harms quality of life.

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has an important program — the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative — to close the gap in resources devoted to urban versus rural America. This new program will help rural communities access federal transportation grant funding and loan programs. It also improves data sharing to help rural communities better analyze their transportation needs. As part of this initiative, DOT established a ROUTES Council, which has reached out to rural communities to help you better identify and assess your transportation needs, and craft solutions.

    From a safety point of view, rural America needs attention. 70% of America's roadways are in rural areas. Those roads carry 47% of America's truck traffic. Only 20% of Americans reside in rural areas. Yet, 46% of traffic fatalities occur on rural roads. Prior to this Administration, DOT's discretionary infrastructure grant programs were skewed towards urban areas. Rural America is not looking for a handout. Rural America is looking for a hand up to understand what federal resources are available to assist. This is one reason the Trump Administration is pleased to announce the release of the ROUTES toolkit which will help Tribal and other rural applicants navigate the various funding opportunities DOT has to offer. Below you will find a copy of the press release and click HERE to access the ROUTES toolkit.