Each year, the federal BUILD Grant program creates a rare opportunity for communities to turn long-planned transportation improvements into reality. With the release of the FY 2026 BUILD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the U.S. Department of Transportation has once again opened the door for transformative investments in surface transportation infrastructure across the country.
This year’s BUILD program will make at least $1.5 billion available for planning and capital projects that improve safety, strengthen local economies, enhance mobility, and connect communities. For public agencies with projects on the horizon, the clock is officially ticking: applications are due February 24, 2026.
Why BUILD Matters
BUILD grants stand out among federal transportation programs because of their flexibility. Unlike formula funding, BUILD allows communities to compete for funding based on the strength of their vision, the impact of their project, and their readiness to deliver results.
Over the years, BUILD has helped fund projects ranging from bridge replacements and corridor improvements to freight and port investments, transit upgrades, and multimodal connections. The common thread is impact — projects that solve real transportation challenges while delivering measurable benefits to the communities they serve.
What USDOT Is Looking For
The FY 2026 NOFO continues to emphasize projects that tell a strong, compelling story. USDOT will evaluate applications based on how well projects advance key outcomes, including:
- Improved safety and accessibility
- Economic competitiveness and opportunity
- Reliable, efficient mobility
- Environmental sustainability and resilience
- Quality of life and community connectivity
Equally important is project readiness. Applicants must demonstrate that their project is well-defined, supported locally, and capable of moving forward if funding is awarded. Clear scopes, realistic schedules, and credible cost estimates will all play a critical role in a successful application.
Funding at a Glance
BUILD grants can support both capital and planning projects, with awards generally ranging up to $25 million per project. Minimum grant requests apply for capital projects — $5 million in urban areas and $1 million in rural areas — while planning grants have no minimum threshold. This structure allows communities of all sizes to compete, from small rural towns to large metropolitan regions.
Eligible applicants include states, local governments, transit agencies, port authorities, tribal governments, and other public entities. While private firms and nonprofits cannot apply directly, they often play a key role as partners in developing and delivering successful projects.
Preparing a Strong Application
With the February deadline approaching quickly, now is the time for communities to move from ideas to action. We’ve seen firsthand how early planning and strategic positioning can make the difference in competitive grant programs like BUILD.
From a technical standpoint, early project development is critical. Strong applications are grounded in a clearly defined purpose and need, supported by sound traffic analysis, thoughtful engineering concepts, and reliable cost estimates. These elements not only demonstrate readiness but also help reviewers understand the real-world value and feasibility of the proposed investment.
At Sain, our role often begins well before the application is submitted. We support communities by helping define project goals, evaluating transportation needs, developing engineering concepts, and preparing cost estimates that align with federal expectations. This technical foundation strengthens the overall grant narrative and positions projects for long-term success, whether funding is awarded this cycle or in the future.
Looking Ahead
The FY 2026 BUILD program represents a significant opportunity to advance transportation projects that might otherwise remain on the shelf. Whether your community is pursuing safer roadways, improved freight movement, stronger multimodal connections, or long-range transportation planning, BUILD funding can be a catalyst for lasting impact.
If your agency is considering a BUILD application this cycle, now is the time to start the conversation. We would love to partner with you in your pursuit.