FYs 2024 through 2026 - Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Competitive Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

The PROTECT Competitive Grant Program provides up to $787 million in FY 2024‑2026 funding to state, local, tribal, MPO, and port entities for planning and implementing resilience‑focused improvements to surface transportation infrastructure (highways, transit, ports, intercity rail). Funding is divided among four categories: Planning Grants, Resilience Improvement Grants, Community Resilience & Evacuation Route Grants, and At‑Risk Coastal Infrastructure Grants. Eligible projects must enhance the ability of transportation assets to withstand extreme weather, natural disasters, sea‑level rise, and other climate‑related hazards, and may include structural upgrades, natural‑infrastructure integration, flood‑control measures, and evacuation‑route enhancements. A minimum 20 % non‑federal cost‑share is required except for certain tribal, island, and planning projects. Applications are due 10 Sep 2026 23:59 ET, with award announcements expected the week of 7 Dec 2026. Up to 80 awards will be made, each ranging from $1 M to $60 M. • Eligible applicants: States, MPOs, local governments, tribal governments, public‑transit agencies, port authorities, and Federal Land Managing Agencies (jointly with a State). • Four grant tracks – Planning (up to $79 M), Resilience Improvement (up to $551 M), Community Resilience/Evacuation (up to $79 M), At‑Risk Coastal Infrastructure (up to $79 M). • Projects must include at least one construction element that improves asset resilience (e.g., bridge retrofits, flood‑gate installation, road elevation, natural‑infrastructure). • Cost‑share: 20 % non‑federal minimum (reduced to 0‑10 % for certain tribes, islands, or RIP‑qualified projects). • Application package must follow the required template and be submitted via Grants.gov.