The Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant (NAE) Program was created by the IRA and is a follow-on to the Reconnect Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program, which was created under the Bilateral Infrastructure Law (BIL).  These two programs have been integrated into one program.  However, each retains its individual requirements.  They are both overseen by the Federal Highway Administration within the US DOT.  The purpose of this joint program is to address the problems created by the location of highways or rail transit through neighborhoods that have caused either fragmentation of the community or that caused noise, air pollution, and other negative impacts on the neighborhood. $3.155 billion dollars are available in the IRA to fund this program.  $1.262 billion of this amount must target Economically Disadvantaged Communities, as defined in the IRA.  The IRA provides an additional $50,000,000 for technical assistance activities and outreach to local government and community groups.

The goal of this program is to correct the negative impacts that have been caused by surface transportation facilities (highways and rail lines) while improving walkability, safety, and affordable transportation access in areas in which transportation facilities have created barriers to community connectivity or negative impacts on the human or natural environment.

The groups that will receive the funding to conduct the projects to modify facilities that split communities, improve and decarbonize transportation in the area, and reduce the impacts of air pollution and noise will be states, metropolitan planning organizations, and other local governments.  These groups and non-profit organizations or institutions of higher education can receive grants for planning and capacity building activities in disadvantaged or underserved communities.

The Federal Highway Administration within the US DOT.is responsible for the oversight of the  program. The following site provide information on how to apply:  

• Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program Fact Sheet: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/inflation-reduction-act/docs/fact_sheets/Neighborhood_Access_and_Equity_Grant_20230522.pdf
• Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood Grant Program:  https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rcnprogram
• Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Grant Program: https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/Documents/PennDOT%20Grant%20Alert%20-%20RCN%20Program%20-%20Final.pdf

For more info on the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program, and upcoming workshops, go to https://jimwylieg.wixsite.com/ca-public/copy-of-grant-programs