The Under Secretary for Policy serves as a principal advisor to the Secretary and provides leadership in the development of policies for the Department, generating proposals and providing advice regarding legislative and regulatory initiatives across all modes of transportation.
The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program is part of the broader MPDG opportunity, encompassing three distinct grant programs aimed at enhancing surface transportation infrastructure projects. These projects may include highway and bridge, intercity passenger rail, railway-highway grade crossing or separation, wildlife crossing, public transportation, marine highway, and freight projects, or groups of such projects. The grants focus on investing in infrastructural projects that hold significant national or regional importance, or serve to improve and expand infrastructure in rural areas. Additionally, the program aims to support projects aligned with strategic goals that prioritize safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, and climate and sustainability. Approximately $5.1 billion is anticipated to be awarded across the programs for the FY 2025 and FY2026 funding period, with allocations including $2.7 billion for INFRA, $1.7 billion for Mega, and $780 million for Rural projects.