FY 2026 National Infrastructure Investments: A Strategic Opportunity for Transformational Transportation Projects

FY26 BUILD Grant

The FY 2026 National Infrastructure Investments program, commonly known as BUILD, is now open and accepting applications through February 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern. For local governments, tribal nations, regional entities, and transit authorities, this funding cycle represents one of the most flexible and impactful federal opportunities to advance transportation projects that create long-term community benefit.

BUILD exists to support projects that have significant local or regional impact. This is not limited to construction. Successful projects improve mobility, expand access to opportunity, strengthen economic growth, and enhance safety and community cohesion. For communities planning transportation upgrades in the coming year, this is a window of funding that should receive serious attention.

What BUILD Funds

The program supports both planning and construction activities for surface transportation projects. Eligible activities include:

• Transportation infrastructure planning

• Bridge repair or reconstruction

• Regional public transit system upgrades

Awards typically range from 1 to 25 million dollars, with higher ceilings available for rural applicants. BUILD is intentionally broad. It allows communities to submit innovative, multi-benefit proposals that may not qualify under narrow formula or agency-specific programs.

What Makes a BUILD Application Competitive

The United States Department of Transportation evaluates applications based on clear criteria focused on measurable community outcomes. Competitive projects demonstrate strong potential in several areas:

• Safety improvements

• Environmental sustainability and climate resilience

• Quality of life for residents

• Mobility and community connectivity

• Economic competitiveness and opportunity, including tourism

• State of good repair for aging infrastructure

• Partnership and collaboration across agencies and stakeholders

• Innovation in design, delivery, or technology

Communities that present evidence-driven projects supported by data, planning documents, and clear public benefit have an advantage.

Why BUILD Matters for Cities, Counties, and Tribes

Many local governments have transportation priorities that remain stalled due to lack of funding. BUILD is designed to unlock these projects. Examples include:

• Replacing a structurally deficient or hazardous bridge

• Creating a multi-modal transit hub that connects underserved communities to jobs and services

• Advancing a planning effort that redesigns a congested corridor into a safe and accessible street for all users

• Modernizing a regional transit system to improve reliability and reduce emissions

If your community has a project that provides meaningful public benefit but lacks the financial resources to advance, BUILD may be the best available pathway.

How The Color Nine Group Can Help

BUILD is highly competitive. Applicants need more than a compelling idea. They need a complete and compliant package that meets DOT standards, aligns with federal priorities, and demonstrates measurable benefit.

CNG supports communities in:

• Assessing project eligibility and alignment with BUILD criteria

• Strengthening project narratives using data and local plans

• Developing cost-benefit analyses that satisfy federal expectations

• Coordinating cross-agency and regional partnerships

• Preparing complete, accurate, and timely submission materials

Our goal is to help communities present projects that are realistic, competitive, and positioned for success.

Preparing for the February Deadline

With applications due February 24, 2026, there is a valuable but limited window to refine concepts, gather supporting documentation, confirm stakeholder commitments, and complete the required technical attachments.

Communities that begin early will be better positioned to submit high-quality applications that stand out in a competitive national field.

If you would like support evaluating your project or preparing an application, CNG can work with you to move forward with clarity and confidence.