The Office of the Secretary (OST) oversees the formulation of national transportation policy and promotes intermodal transportation.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 authorizes $1.5 billion for the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program, under which the RAISE Grants program falls. These competitive grants aim to significantly impact local or regional infrastructure projects, with specific budget allocations for planning, rural and urban areas, and a variety of transportation modes. The program mandates an equitable geographic distribution of funds and sets minimum and maximum grant sizes, emphasizing readiness to proceed with projects within statutory timelines. Additionally, it supports projects that can demonstrate past success and efficiency in utilizing previously awarded funds.