The Clock and the Cuts
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58, also called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) authorized $1.2 trillion for infrastructure, including $550 billion in new investment beyond regular appropriations. As of late 2025, approximately $568 billion (47%) had been allocated to about 68,000 projects nationwide. Two things are now compressing the remaining timeline. First, the authorization expires September 30, 2026. After that date, unobligated funds for many discretionary programs expire or require new Congressional action. With seven months remaining, agencies are pushing to obligate remaining allocations, creating both urgency and opportunity for applicants. Second, the FY2026 spending legislation rescinded over $2.3 billion in previously allocated IIJA funds, according to Transportation for America's analysis of the enacted bills. The largest single target was the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program: $503.8 million in formula grants, $300 million in competitive grants, and $75 million for the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation were rescinded or reallocated, totaling approximately $879 million. The rescissions were proportional to how much each state had already obligated from its initial NEVI allocation, per FHWA Notice N4510.909. What was not rescinded matters as much as what was. Core IIJA formula programs for highways, bridges, and transit continue at authorized levels. The $42.45 billion BEAD broadband program is intact. Water State Revolving Funds continue distributing $23.4 billion in combined clean water and drinking water funding. The BUILD discretionary grant program has $1.5 billion available for FY2026. The rescissions targeted specific programs, not the infrastructure law wholesale. Separately, FEMA ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program in April 2025. States lost allocated BRIC funding that had not yet been spent. For state-level resilience alternatives, see state-specific guides like Florida (where the Seminole Gaming Compact funds $150 million annually for resilience) or California. Search infrastructure funding opportunities
DOT Discretionary Grants: The Biggest Current Opportunities
The Department of Transportation runs the largest infrastructure grant programs. These are competitive but offer substantial awards. BUILD Program (also known as RAISE) - FY 2026 Deadline: February 24, 2026 Funding: $1.5 billion available Eligible applicants: Local governments, tribes, transit authorities, port authorities, states Award range: Typically $5 million to $25 million Match required: Generally 20% non-federal match BUILD funds surface transportation projects that improve safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and state of good repair. The program explicitly supports projects that are harder to fund through traditional formula programs. This is one of the largest single-year discretionary infrastructure competitions available right now. MPDG (Multimodal Project Discretionary Grants) This combined program covers three previously separate competitions: - MEGA: Large projects over $100 million (up to $5 billion authorized through 2026) - INFRA: Freight and highway projects (up to $8 billion through 2026) - Rural: Surface transportation in rural areas (up to $2 billion through 2026) The FY 2025-2026 MPDG cycle closed in May 2024. Awards from that cycle are being distributed through 2026. Whether DOT issues another MPDG NOFO before the September 30 authorization expiration depends on remaining unobligated funds and agency priorities. Watch SAM.gov and DOT Navigator for announcements. These programs favor shovel-ready projects. Having environmental clearances (NEPA) complete, engineering designs at 30% or further, local match committed, and community support documented gives you a significant advantage. With the authorization deadline approaching, DOT is prioritizing projects that can obligate funds quickly. Search DOT grant opportunities
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Water Infrastructure: $23.4 Billion Through State Programs
Water infrastructure received one of the largest IIJA investments and continues distributing through state agencies. These programs were not affected by the FY2026 rescissions. Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Rolling applications through state environmental agencies Total IIJA allocation: $11.7 billion Scope: Wastewater treatment, stormwater management, nonpoint source pollution Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Rolling applications through state environmental agencies Total IIJA allocation: $11.7 billion Scope: Drinking water system improvements, lead service line replacement These funds flow through state agencies, not direct federal applications. Each state runs its own SRF program with its own deadlines, priority lists, and application processes. Contact your state environmental agency or drinking water program for specific requirements. Many states have not fully distributed their IIJA SRF allocations and are actively seeking projects. Lead Service Line Replacement IIJA earmarked $15 billion specifically for identifying and replacing lead pipes. The EPA requires all water systems to inventory their service lines. States are distributing this funding through their DWSRF programs, often with additional subsidization (grants or principal forgiveness) rather than standard loan terms. Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects Deadline: April 17, 2026 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Award ceiling: $30 million per project Scope: Water storage projects in western states This program remains open and funded through the IIJA. Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Rolling applications Scope: Large water projects ($20 million minimum for larger utilities, $5 million for smaller) Structure: Federal loans at favorable terms, not grants. WIFIA can finance up to 49% of eligible project costs. For the full picture on environmental funding including brownfields and Superfund, see our EPA grants guide. Search water infrastructure opportunities
Broadband: BEAD Subgrants Are Opening Nationwide
IIJA allocated $42.45 billion for broadband through the BEAD program (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment), the largest broadband investment in U.S. history. That allocation is intact and was not affected by FY2026 rescissions. As of early 2026, 50 of 56 state and territory broadband plans have been approved by NTIA (the National Telecommunications and Information Administration). States that have completed their challenge processes are now opening subgrant application windows for internet service providers and project sponsors. How BEAD works: States received allocations based on the number of unserved and underserved locations identified through the FCC broadband maps. Each state developed a plan for how to distribute funds, ran a public challenge process to verify location data, and is now executing subgrant competitions. BEAD does not accept direct federal applications. To access BEAD funding: 1. Identify your state's designated broadband office (listed at broadbandusa.ntia.gov) 2. Check whether your state's subgrant window is open or has a timeline posted 3. Review your state's subgrant requirements, which vary by state 4. ISPs and project sponsors apply through their state's program States are at different stages. Some have begun awarding subgrants. Others are still completing challenge processes. The deployment timeline extends beyond the September 2026 IIJA authorization because BEAD funds were designed with longer obligation windows than most other IIJA programs. Digital Equity Programs: $2.75 billion was allocated for digital equity, ensuring Americans can access and use broadband effectively. State digital equity plans are being finalized, and competitive grant programs are beginning to open. These complement BEAD by funding digital literacy, device access, and technical support. For state-specific broadband timelines, check your state's broadband office directly. Some states, like Ohio ($793 million BEAD allocation, first $227 million awarded to 22 sub-awardees), are well into deployment. Search broadband funding opportunities
Energy Infrastructure: What Survived the NEVI Rescission
IIJA included major energy infrastructure funding. The NEVI rescission was the most significant cut in this category, but other energy programs continue. What was rescinded: The FY2026 spending legislation cut approximately $879 million from the NEVI electric vehicle charging program ($503.8 million in formula grants, $300 million in competitive grants, $75 million for the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation). The formula grant rescission was proportional to each state's unobligated balance from its first-year NEVI allocation, per FHWA Notice N4510.909. States that had moved quickly to obligate their NEVI funds lost less. A federal judge separately ruled that DOT had illegally withheld NEVI funds earlier in 2025, adding legal complexity to the program's status. What continues: Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP): $10.5 billion total authorized. Awards have been made for grid modernization, resilience, and smart grid deployment. Some funding rounds may continue through 2026. Grid Innovation Program: $5 billion for testing and deploying innovative grid technologies. State Energy Program: Formula grants to states for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. These flow through state energy offices. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants: Direct formula funding to local governments for energy projects. DOE National Laboratory Collaborations: Multiple national labs maintain rolling research and technology partnership opportunities. Oak Ridge, Idaho National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and others post opportunities through their technology transfer offices. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) energy tax credits and incentive programs are separate from IIJA and operate on their own authorization timeline. Solar, wind, EV, and energy efficiency tax credits under the IRA were not affected by the IIJA rescissions, though some IRA provisions face their own political risks through the reconciliation process. For DOE-specific funding including energy research grants, see our energy grants guide. Search energy infrastructure opportunities
State and Local Opportunities
Much IIJA funding flows to states, which distribute it through their own programs. State-level infrastructure opportunities often face less competition than federal discretionary programs because they are not as widely publicized. Formula Programs: Highway, bridge, and transit formula funds flow automatically to state DOTs. These are the backbone of IIJA and continue at authorized levels through September 2026. State DOTs then contract out design, engineering, and construction work. State Infrastructure Programs we track include active opportunities across Pennsylvania DOT (bridge, highway, and transit projects), California (water systems, transit, broadband), Massachusetts (transit, water infrastructure), Illinois EPA (water quality, solid waste), Ohio (bridge inspection and evaluation), Utah (sewer infrastructure), and Texas DOT (highway maintenance and construction). Subcontracting on Large Projects: Many large infrastructure contracts require prime contractors to use small or disadvantaged business subcontractors. State DOTs have DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) programs with participation goals, typically 10-15% of contract value. If you are not ready to lead a federal grant application, subcontracting on funded projects builds experience and relationships. For more on set-aside programs, see our set-asides guide. State Procurement Systems: Each state runs its own procurement portal. Major ones include Pennsylvania's eMarketplace, California's Cal eProcure, New York's NYS Contract System, and Texas's Electronic State Business Daily. For a broader view of state contracting, see our state contracts guide. A practical advantage of state-level infrastructure work: a $500,000 state bridge contract might draw 5 bidders while a $50 million federal grant draws 500 applications. The math on competition often favors state opportunities for businesses building their track record. Search state infrastructure opportunities
How Infrastructure Grants and Contracts Differ
Infrastructure funding comes as both grants and contracts. Understanding the distinction helps you target the right opportunities. Grants fund projects you lead. You apply with your project concept. If awarded, you receive funding to design, build, or improve infrastructure under your direction. Grant recipients are typically local governments, transit authorities, utilities, tribes, and nonprofits. Key success factors: project readiness (environmental clearances, designs, permits), local match secured, community support documented, clear outcomes and metrics, alignment with program priorities. Contracts fund work on government projects. The government defines the scope. You bid to perform that work. If selected, you execute the government's project under their specifications and oversight. Contract recipients are typically construction firms, engineering companies, environmental remediation firms, and service providers. Key success factors: relevant past performance, appropriate bonding capacity, competitive pricing, technical capability, required certifications (small business, DBE, HUBZone, etc.). Many infrastructure projects combine both. A local government wins a BUILD grant, then contracts out the engineering design and construction work. This means a single BUILD award can generate multiple contracting opportunities downstream. For grant applications, project readiness is the single most important differentiator. Agencies with seven months left on the IIJA clock are prioritizing projects that can obligate funds quickly. Having NEPA clearances complete, engineering at 30% design or further, permits in progress, and local match committed puts you ahead of applicants still at the concept stage. For contract opportunities, SAM.gov registration and relevant certifications matter. Small business set-asides under SBA programs apply to many infrastructure contracts. DBE certification through your state DOT opens subcontracting opportunities on federally-funded projects. SAM.gov registration is required for all federal contracting.
The September 2026 Expiration and What Comes Next
IIJA authorization ends September 30, 2026. This is not a theoretical deadline. It affects multiple funding streams and requires Congressional action to continue. For formula programs: Highway, bridge, and transit formula funding to states continues at IIJA levels through FY2026. After September 30, these programs fall back to pre-IIJA authorization levels unless Congress passes a new surface transportation reauthorization bill. Congressional committees in both chambers have begun preliminary work on reauthorization, but no bill has been introduced as of February 2026. The last surface transportation bill (IIJA itself) took over a year of negotiations. The one before that (the FAST Act) also required multiple extensions. For discretionary programs: Many discretionary program funds must be obligated by specific dates. BUILD FY2026 funds have their own obligation timeline, but the program itself requires reauthorization to continue making new awards. BEAD has a longer obligation window and will continue deployment into 2027 and beyond regardless of what happens with the surface transportation authorization. For loan programs: WIFIA and similar programs can continue making loans from existing capital but need reauthorization for new capitalization. What this means for you: Apply now for any discretionary program you qualify for. The next cycle may not exist at current funding levels. The $1.5 billion BUILD/RAISE deadline on February 24 is the most immediate high-value opportunity. Project readiness is your competitive advantage. With agencies racing to obligate, projects with completed NEPA reviews, advanced design, secured local match, and documented community support will be prioritized. Watch for accelerated releases. Agencies may announce additional funding rounds, extend deadlines, or release remaining allocations faster than normal as September approaches. Plan for uncertainty after September 30. Organizations dependent on federal infrastructure funding should explore state and local sources as complements. Some states, like Ohio (Third Frontier, JobsOhio) and Texas, have significant state-funded infrastructure programs that operate independently of federal authorization cycles. Search all infrastructure opportunities
What to Do This Week
If you are pursuing infrastructure funding in 2026, prioritize by timeline. Immediate (this week): - BUILD/RAISE deadline is February 24, 2026. If you have a qualifying project and have not applied, evaluate whether you can submit in the next six days. This is $1.5 billion in discretionary funding. - Check whether your state's BEAD subgrant window is open. Contact your state broadband office at broadbandusa.ntia.gov. Next 30 days: - Bureau of Reclamation Small Storage deadline is April 17, 2026. Western states only. - Contact your state SRF program (clean water or drinking water) to confirm their current application timeline and priority list. - Review your SAM.gov registration. It must be active for federal contracting. See the SAM.gov guide. Before September 30: - Any discretionary infrastructure program you qualify for should be a priority. The authorization clock creates urgency that favors prepared applicants. - Get NEPA clearances moving now if you have projects that could be competitive for federal funding. Environmental review timelines often exceed six months. Ongoing: - Sign up for SAM.gov notifications in relevant NAICS and PSC codes. Our NAICS/PSC guide covers how to identify the right codes for infrastructure work. - Follow DOT Navigator (transportation.gov/dot-navigator) for discretionary program announcements. - Contact your state DOT for DBE certification if you are a small or disadvantaged business pursuing infrastructure subcontracting. - For state-level infrastructure opportunities that operate independently of the federal authorization cycle, see our state contracts guide. Search all open infrastructure opportunities