FTA extends deadlines for several competitive grant programs

Several deadlines for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) competitive grant programs has been extended for 30 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an announcement U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao made during a transit industry briefing.

"We understand that many transit agencies are experiencing disruptions to normal operating procedures and, as a result, some potential applicants to FTA’s grant programs may not be able to submit timely applications to FTA’s Notices of Funding Opportunity," Secretary Chao said.

The 30-day extension applies to grant programs currently administered by FTA with active notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs).

"To continue to support the transit industry, we are extending the deadlines for all current open NOFOs for 30 days, recognizing that transit agencies are focused on COVID-19 response during this unprecedented public health emergency," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams, who also participated in the briefing. 

The secretary also highlighted the actions taken by FTA so far in response to the crisis, including new flexibility that allows agencies to use existing federal formula funds for emergency-related capital and operating expenses at an increased 80-percent federal share. She also encouraged transit agency leaders to request other relief from federal requirements as needed by making a request through FTA’s Emergency Relief Docket.

Grants programs affected by this announcement can be found on FTA's website.