Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on May 18, 2009, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published in the Federal Register a notice of funding availability and solicitation of applications from applicants seeking funds under the Grants for Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER Grants) program. TIGER Grants are discretionary funds appropriated for in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to be awarded by DOT.

 When Congress passed ARRA earlier this year, one of the goals of ARRA is to invest in transportation infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits.  As a result, $1.5 billion in discretionary funds was appropriated to be awarded by DOT for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure.  These funds are to be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area or a region.  States and local governments including U.S. Territories are eligible.  Grants awarded may be no less than $20 million and no more than $300 million.  However, DOT is authorized to issue waiver for the purpose of funding significant projects in smaller cities, regions, or States.

 Eligible projects for TIGER Discretionary Grants include, but are not limited to, highway and bridge systems under Title 23, US Code, such as road system rehabilitation, bridge replacements, seismic retrofit projects for bridges, and road realignments.  In addition, public transportation projects eligible under chapter 53 of Title 49, US Code, are also eligible.  Port infrastructure investments including projects that connect ports to other modes of transportation and improve the efficiency of freight movement are eligible as well.

  To receive a grant award, there are two Primary Selection Criteria.  Priority is given to projects that have significant impacts on desirable long-term outcomes which are identified as (1) State of Good Repair; (2) Economic competitiveness; (3) Livability; (4) Sustainability; and (5) Safety.  In addition, projects that are expected to immediately stimulate job growth and economic activity.  As Secondary Selection Criteria, projects must demonstrate innovation and partnership.

 Complete background and detailed information about the TIGER Discretionary Grants can be found online at www.dot.gov/recovery/.  Additional information can also be obtained through email at TIGERGrants@dot.gov or by calling (202) 366–7687.

 The deadline to submit applications for TIGER Discretionary Grants is September 15, 2009.

 “This is a great opportunity for American Samoa Government to get funding for projects to build and improve our transportation system.  Not only will such projects improve safety for our traveling public, they will also contribute to job growth and help stimulate economic activity in our Territory,” Faleomavaega concluded.